KAMPALA, Uganda — The political landscape for the Bushenyi District Local Council V (LCV) chairmanship is currently marked by contradictory reports ahead of the 2026 general elections, leaving former journalist Prosper Twebaze as the sole declared candidate. This development follows claims that the incumbent, Jaffari Basajjabalaba, has withdrawn from the race in the interest of party cohesion.
Reports initially surfaced suggesting that the current LCV Chairman, Basajjabalaba, had been in discussions with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership, including President Yoweri Museveni, regarding stepping aside to foster unity within the party.
Sources indicated this move could potentially position Basajjabalaba for a high-ranking government appointment later on.
President Museveni appeared to confirm the agreement via his official X account, stating: “I met my daughter Resty Namutamba from Luuka and Mr Jaffari Basajjabalaba, the LC 5 Chairman of Bushenyi, both of whom belong to the NRM. “I wish to commend them for accepting to withdraw from the race in favor of the NRM flag bearers. This is in line with our NRM principles and it should be promoted because it saves time and eliminates divisions.”
However, Basajjabalaba swiftly contradicted the President’s statement and other media reports, asserting that he has not abandoned his bid for the 2026 elections.
Also Read: Eight candidates nominated for Uganda’s 2026 presidency: EC warns against early campaigning
“But who has told you that I have withdrawn from the race? I am still here and I will contest come 2026. I will get time and speak to the media,” he said.
The current situation follows the highly decisive NRM primaries held in July, where Prosper Twebaze, a former journalist from Nyeibingo village in Ruhumuro subcounty, secured the official NRM flag bearer position.
Twebaze, who resigned from a 10-year media career to pursue elective politics, captured a landslide victory over Basajjabalaba, garnering 66,101 votes (86.2%) against Basajjabalaba’s 10,597 votes (13.8%).
Twebaze’s overwhelming primary win ranks him among the highest-scoring NRM flag bearers nationwide, and local voters in Bushenyi had already begun expressing their support and congratulations ahead of the 2026 polls.
