Amuria, Uganda | The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat has reinstated State Minister for Works Musa Francis Ecweru as the party’s District Chairperson for Amuria, days after he officially withdrew his independent candidature from the 2026 parliamentary race for Amuria County.
The development, confirmed in an official communication signed by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, marks a significant political turnaround for the long-serving minister who had earlier fallen out with the party following a disputed primary election.
In a letter dated November 8, 2025, Todwong acknowledged receipt of Ecweru’s written notice confirming his withdrawal from the race and reaffirming his support for the NRM flag bearers.
“I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 7th November 2025, in which you stated that you have withdrawn your candidature for the Member of Parliament, Amuria County, on an independent ticket and are now working to support the NRM flag bearers,” reads part of the letter. “In view of the above, I write to permit you to resume your work as the NRM District Chairman for Amuria District.”
Copies of the letter were circulated to the District Executive Committee (DEC) and key directors at the NRM
Secretariat, including Legal Affairs, Administration and Finance, confirming the official nature of the reinstatement.
While addressing journalists and party leaders in Amuria Town, Ecweru expressed gratitude to the NRM leadership for restoring his position and pledged renewed commitment to building the party’s structures at the grassroots.
“Indeed, we had handed over because I was independent, and there was no way I could administer the day-to-day running of party activities while standing outside the party line,” he said. “Now that it is not the case, we are going to resume and make sure the party does its work very well.”
He described his withdrawal from the parliamentary contest as a gesture of loyalty, discipline and respect for the party’s internal mechanisms.
“I wish all the NRM candidates the best in the elections,” he added. “I thank all those who have been wishing me well and continue to wish me well. I also wish the country peaceful elections come January 15, 2026.”
The Amuria District Vice Chairperson, Okello, who had been acting in Ecweru’s place, officially handed back the chairmanship during a brief ceremony witnessed by local leaders.
Ecweru’s reinstatement followed his official withdrawal from the Amuria County parliamentary race, in which he had been duly nominated to contest as an independent candidate after losing the NRM primaries in July 2025.
Speaking to journalists earlier, the minister said he took the decision after consultations with President Yoweri Museveni and senior NRM officials.
“After engaging my key agents and supporters, and consulting with the party leadership, including Mzee, the chairperson of our party, I reflected deeply and came to the conclusion that it is important to withdraw my candidature,” he said.
He maintained that the NRM primaries were “mismanaged,” alleging voter irregularities that denied thousands of his supporters a chance to vote.
“Withdrawing does not mean I endorse what happened,” he clarified. “I don’t endorse election rigging or abuse of the democratic process. But in the interest of party harmony and cohesion, and following the guidance of my leaders, I am stepping down.”
Following his withdrawal, Ecweru redirected his political efforts toward mobilising support for President Museveni’s re-election.
“As I step down, I am calling on all my supporters, agents, and well-wishers to expend all their energy on ensuring that President Museveni wins,” he said. “The winning of President Museveni guarantees the stability of Uganda and the progress we have achieved.”
He also urged his supporters to deliver a decisive victory for the ruling party in Amuria.
“My prayer is that President Museveni wins Amuria at 100 per cent,” he said. “If we can deliver that victory, Amuria will become the best-performing district in his tally.”
Political analysts in Teso say the minister’s decision could help mend divisions that emerged after the NRM primaries and strengthen the party’s base ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Ecweru, who has represented Amuria County in Parliament for over 20 years and held several ministerial portfolios, described his move as a “redirection of energy toward unity and stability.”
“This is not the end,” he said. “It is a redirection of energy toward the stability and prosperity of Uganda. My heart remains with the people of Amuria, and my commitment remains with the vision of His Excellency President Museveni.”