Africa-Press – Uganda. Agaba Abbas Mugisha, the former Member of Parliament for Kitagwenda County, is actively consulting his supporters and political allies on whether to return to the race as an independent candidate following his defeat in the recent National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries.
Abbas, who emerged second in the five-man race, garnered 14,552 votes, representing 28% of the total vote. The NRM flag was won by Robert Mugabe, the former interim District Chairperson of Kitagwenda, who secured a landslide victory with 25,709 votes, 50.5% of the ballots cast.
Other candidates in the race included incumbent MP Joseph Nulu Byamukama, who came third with 6,918 votes (13.6%), Emmanuel Arinaitwe with 1,922 votes, and David Kamukama Bambeiha who polled 1,727 votes.
In an interview, Abbas acknowledged the significance of the results and the public’s desire for a leadership shift, but questioned whether the vote reflected genuine change.
“The results clearly show that Kitagwenda wants new leadership,” Abbas said. “But I still wonder whether this is the true change that the people hoped for. That’s why I and my team are taking time to consult widely and understand what the people truly want going forward.”He explained.
He added that the consultations are ongoing in all sub-counties of Kitagwenda, emphasising that any decision taken will be based on the voices of the people.
“We are not rushing. We are moving door to door, speaking to leaders, elders, and youth groups. If the people ask us to come back, we shall give them the leadership they desire,” he stated.
The possibility of his independent bid has stirred mixed reactions within Kitagwenda. Some residents believe Abbas still has a strong support base and deserves a second chance, while others think he should respect the NRM outcome and rally behind the party flag bearer.
“Abbas is still loved, if he returns, he can easily divide the vote,” said one of the supporters in Ntara town.
However, others argue that unity in the party is more important. “We don’t want confusion. Let Abbas accept defeat and support Mugabe so that the NRM remains strong,” said one of NRM mobilisers in Kitagwenda.
As the 2026 general elections draw closer, the people of Kitagwenda await Abbas’s final decision, one that could potentially alter the political landscape of the young district once again.
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