Africa-Press – Uganda. The National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for the Mawogola North parliamentary seat, Idd Ssemata, has officially withdrawn from the race, citing financial constraints, violence and intimidation during the campaign period.
Ssemata, who was cleared by the Electoral Commission on 22 October 2025, had been contesting against Sodo Aine Kaguta of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), John Jet Tumwebaze (Independent), and Angela Kigonya of the Democratic Party (DP).
Speaking during a press briefing in Sembabule District, Ssemata said his decision followed what he described as “deep reflection” on the realities surrounding his campaign.
“I have been forced to withdraw because I no longer have the financial capacity to sustain this campaign,” Ssemata said. “Politics in Sembabule has been commercialised, and without money, it becomes extremely difficult to compete.”
He further alleged that his campaign was marred by violence and intimidation, which he said put the lives of his supporters at risk.
“Several of my supporters were attacked, and some are still nursing injuries in hospital after being beaten by people we could not identify during our campaign activities in Lwetale village, Mitima Sub-county,” he said. “I was also beaten. The level of intimidation frightened many supporters, and I could not continue putting people’s lives at risk.”
Despite withdrawing, Ssemata said his campaign had succeeded in awakening political consciousness among voters in Mawogola North.
“I believe I have awakened the people of Mawogola North and shown them that everything is possible and that we can change the leadership of this country,” he added.
Throughout his campaign, Ssemata traversed villages conducting door-to-door mobilization, preaching a message of change and assuring voters that a “new Uganda” was attainable. He frequently criticised what he described as an oppressive political system.
“The time for change is now. Ugandans deserve a government that listens and serves its people,” he repeatedly told supporters during rallies.
Ssemata dismissed allegations that he had been bribed to quit the race, insisting that his decision was entirely personal.
“Let me be clear — nobody gave me money to withdraw,” he said. “This decision is mine alone and is based on the challenges I faced. No amount of money is worth my candidature, and any money that could be used to bribe me would be better spent building a modern hospital in Sembabule.”
His withdrawal has surprised many of his supporters, some of whom expressed disappointment. However, Ssemata urged them to remain peaceful and focused on the broader goal of political change.
“Stay calm, remain committed to change, and vote for leaders you believe can genuinely represent you in Parliament,” he advised.
Ssemata is not the first NUP-affiliated figure to withdraw from an electoral race in Sembabule. Earlier, Isaac Tumusiime, who had received the NUP card to contest for the Lwemiyaga parliamentary seat, pulled out a day before nominations and later pledged support to NRM’s Emmanuel Rwashande, frequently appearing at NRM rallies.
Political observers also recall that ahead of the 2021 general elections, NRM’s Sodo Aine Kaguta withdrew from the Mawogola North race, paving the way for independent candidate Shartis Musherure Kutesa to win after a heated contest.
Ssemata’s exit now reshapes the political landscape in Mawogola North, leaving voters and political parties recalibrating their strategies as the contest tightens.
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