MBALE: Former Minister Withdraws from Bungokho Central MP Race

‎Former Minister Michael Welikhe Kafabusa has withdrawn from the Bungokho Central Parliamentary race as an Independent candidate following an engagement with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the NRM National Chairman, together with other senior party leaders.

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‎Welikhe had already been duly nominated to run as an Independent after failing to secure the NRM flag in the recent party primaries. He formally notified the Electoral Commission of his decision to step down in a letter dated November 11, 2025, which was received on November 14, 2025.

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‎In his communication, Welikhe said he remains committed to serving the people of Bungokho and Uganda at large through the party structures, even without being in Parliament.

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‎Hon. Welikhe previously represented Bungokho South as Member of Parliament and served as a Government Minister from 1996 until 2021, when he lost the seat to Martin Wanda following the creation of Bungokho Central.

‎His withdrawal now leaves seven candidates to compete for the Bungokho Central MP seat: NRM’s Muhamood Masaba Mutenyo, Ben Martin Wanda of FDC, incumbent Richard Wanda running as an Independent after losing the NRM primaries, George Wamono also as an Independent, Gideon Wananda of NUP, Mabonga Godfrey Natiko of PPF, and Nangayi Guyishon of ANT.