Uganda Speaker Candidate Withdraws from Parliamentary Race

A candidate for Speaker of Uganda's 12th Parliament withdrew from the race late Sunday night. The withdrawal was announced on the candidate's official X account and followed reports of pressure from within the ruling establishment. Ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering were also cited in connection with the decision.

Several media reports indicated that the Patriotic League of Uganda had withdrawn its support for the candidate and the current Deputy Speaker in the race.

The candidate entered Parliament in 2016 after defeating the long-serving Bukedea Woman MP as an independent. Before entering politics, the candidate worked in banking and later lectured in accounting at Makerere University Business School and Kampala International University.

The candidate joined the ruling National Resistance Movement in 2020 after previously being associated with the Forum for Democratic Change. During the 10th Parliament, the candidate served on the COSASE committee investigating government agencies.

The candidate was declared unopposed for the Bukedea District Woman MP seat in both the 2021 and 2026 general elections. Reports indicated that several aspirants had expressed interest in contesting before being blocked, withdrawing, or failing to complete nomination requirements.

Court challenges to the unopposed declarations were unsuccessful. Media reports documented allegations from opposition figures of intimidation and irregularities in the nomination processes. The candidate's husband, who serves as president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations and as Budiope East MP, has also held positions of political influence during the same period.