Africa-Press – Uganda. In a rare gesture of political maturity and party loyalty, John Meta Mutagubya, a veteran politician and long-serving NRM leader in Bukakata Sub-county, Masaka District, has officially stepped down from the NRM flagbearer race in favor of a younger contender.
Mutagubya, who has served the sub-county in various leadership roles for over 30 years—including as LC3 chairperson—announced his withdrawal during a reconciliation meeting convened by the area NRM chairperson Ssalongo Richard Kimera.
The meeting, held at the Bukakata Sub-county headquarters, aimed to resolve internal competition among three candidates seeking to represent NRM in the upcoming LC3 elections.
These included Mutagubya himself, Ssalongo Abdu Kayabula, and Fredrick Ssebadduka.
In a move that surprised many in attendance, Mutagubya declared his support for Kayabula, urging his supporters to unite behind the younger candidate to ensure the NRM retains the seat.
“For the sake of party unity and progress, I have decided to step aside and rally behind Kayabula. He is young, capable, and shares the values of the NRM,” Mutagubya said to loud applause.
The meeting was also attended by RDC Masaka District, Billy Janet Mulindwa, who commended the move and encouraged the party faithful to distinguish between friendship and leadership potential when choosing candidates.
“We need to focus on ability and vision. Bukakata deserves focused leadership, not popularity contests,” said Mulindwa.
Party leaders warned that fielding multiple candidates in the primaries could split the vote, potentially handing victory to the opposition, especially the National Unity Platform (NUP), which continues to gain support in parts of the district.
Chairperson Kimera revealed that a special committee had been investigating the strength of each candidate and concluded that internal division within NRM would increase the risk of losing the seat.
“The reality is, if we go to primaries divided, we will give NUP a chance to win Bukakata. We must unite around one candidate,” Kimera said.
Despite calls for unity, both Kayabula and Ssebadduka vowed to continue in the race.
Each expressed confidence in their grassroots support and commitment to the party.
Meanwhile, local leaders voiced concerns about the amount of money being spent on campaign activities, warning that it could undermine the integrity of the election process in the sub-county.
Some party elders have appealed to the remaining two contenders to follow Mutagubya’s example and prioritise party cohesion over personal ambition.
“Let us not lose Bukakata because of egos. If one more candidate can step aside, we’ll enter this race united and strong.”
Bukakata is one of the sub-counties in Masaka District known for its strong support for the ruling party, but it is now facing internal pressure that could determine its political future.
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