Kwania, Uganda | The Kwania North parliamentary race has taken a softer but significant turn after National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Allan Charles Odongo withdrew from the contest following talks at State House involving President Museveni and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa.
Speaking to press, Odongo recounted how a call from the Office of the President last Saturday set in motion a decision he describes as “carefully considered.”
“I was asked to come to State House for an engagement. When I arrived, I met the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, and we had a long discussion about the country and leadership,” Odongo said.
He said the conversation went beyond party politics and touched on broader national interests, a factor he says influenced his decision to step down from the race just days to polling.
Odongo revealed that he was not alone in these engagements, noting that several opposition candidates were also approached and some opted to withdraw after similar discussions.
Shortly after, Odongo announced that he had crossed from NUP to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), although he stressed that the transition is still ongoing.
“I have joined NRM, but some of the understandings we reached are yet to be fulfilled. We are waiting for the President to honour them so that the process is completed,” he said.
He added that he has since thrown his weight behind the NRM flag bearer for Kwania North, James Ongu Tar, and has begun rallying his supporters to back the ruling party.
According to Odongo, aligning with the NRM offers the constituency a better chance to benefit from government programmes and national resources.
He also used the moment to appeal for calm, urging young people to stay peaceful and law-abiding before, during and after the elections.
Despite the announcement, Odongo’s withdrawal is not yet official. Electoral laws require party-sponsored candidates to formally notify the Electoral Commission through a withdrawal letter from their party’s secretary general.
James Ongu Tar welcomed the development, describing it as a decision rooted in “wisdom,” and pledged to support Odongo in his future political journey.
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