In a dramatic turn of events, National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Peter Mpaka has withdrawn from the Mbarara City North MP race, admitting that he stood no realistic chance of defeating incumbent Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, who is running as an independent.
Addressing journalists on Monday morning, a visibly resigned Mpaka said his decision followed "a clear and honest assessment of the situation on the ground," where he discovered he was "not anywhere close to unseating the incumbent, who enjoys deep-rooted support and visibility in the constituency."
Mpaka revealed that his withdrawal was also driven by the lack of support from his own party.
"The NUP has not offered me any form of support. I have failed to penetrate the electorate and create visibility for myself or the party," he said.
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Mpaka displayed a letter he has written to NUP party president Robert Kyagulanyi, explaining that he chose to step down "out of fear of the humiliation I foresaw against the incumbent."
The withdrawal comes just a week after incumbent MP Rukaari officially launched his re-election campaign, promising to "continue from where he stopped" in empowering communities across Mbarara City North for economic transformation.
Though running as an independent, Rukaari remains a key NRM figure, and in the last week he has been heavily involved in mobilising for NRM National Chairman President Museveni's campaign activities in Mbarara and the greater western region.
The President's programmes in the area are scheduled to start on December 1.
On Sunday, Rukaari met with boda boda riders from Mbarara City North who pledged to mobilise for him and for President Museveni.
During the meeting, Rukaari emphasised the crucial role the boda boda economy plays:
"You are key drivers of economic growth in Mbarara and Uganda at large," he told the riders.
The Mbarara City North contest initially had nine registered candidates, but Mpaka's exit further weakens the already divided opposition.
The NRM's own flagbearer is a little-known candidate, Chris Bakashaba, who is faulted for hoping from one constituency to another.
Bakashaba contested in Nyabushozi in 2022. This now leaves Rukaari, who commands both name recognition and a strong grassroots network, in a clear and uncontested lead.
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Observers say Mpaka's announcement merely confirms that Rukaari remains the dominant political force in Mbarara City North, with both organisational muscle and community credibility that his opponents are struggling to match.
