NUP CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM KWANIA NORTH MP RACE; Claims Museveni Convinced Him to Step Down.

With just days remaining to Uganda’s 2026 general elections, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for Kwania North Constituency, Allan Charles Odongo, has withdrawn from the parliamentary race in a move that has sparked political debate. Speaking to Uganda Radio Network, Odongo revealed that his decision followed engagements with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, at State House. He said the discussions were lengthy and touched on a range of national issues. Odongo has since announced his defection from NUP to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), although he noted that some agreed conditions are yet to be fulfilled. He further disclosed that he was not the only opposition candidate engaged, saying several others also agreed to withdraw from their respective races after similar talks. The former NUP aspirant has thrown his full support behind President Museveni and the NRM flag bearer for Kwania North, James Ongu Tar, pledging to mobilize his supporters to vote for the ruling party. He also urged young people to remain peaceful and law-abiding during and after the elections. Despite the announcement, Odongo’s withdrawal is not yet final, as Electoral Commission guidelines require party-sponsored candidates to submit formal withdrawal letters through their party Secretary General. His exit reduces the number of contenders in the Kwania North parliamentary race from four to three and brings to four the number of parliamentary candidates who have withdrawn in the Lango sub-region ahead of the January 15, 2026 polls. Stay tuned for verified election updates, in-depth political analysis, and breaking news from across Uganda.

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