The State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, has officially withdrawn from the Amuria County parliamentary race.
The decision, announced on Tuesday after days of speculation, comes just weeks after he was duly nominated to contest as an Independent candidate.
In an exclusive interview, Minister Ecweru opened up about the reasons behind his withdrawal, his reflections on the NRM party primaries, and his next political course.
“The election was mismanaged”
“As the country knows,” Ecweru began, “I had been standing, at least, I was nominated, to run as Member of Parliament for Amuria County as an Independent candidate. This was a consequence of the mismanaged election that happened in many parts of the country, particularly in the NRM primaries here in Amuria County, where I felt there was outright and gross abuse of the democratic process.”
According to the minister, the July 2025 NRM primaries were marred by irregularities that left thousands of his supporters disenfranchised.
“I decided to stand as an Independent based on the wishes and guidance of my people, over 20,000 of them who voted for me, and many others who were denied the opportunity to exercise their right to vote,” he added.
Ecweru’s decision to run as an Independent initially drew widespread support in Amuria, where he has been a political heavyweight for over two decades.
However, his withdrawal marks a dramatic shift in the county’s political landscape, as the long-serving leader bows out of an increasingly heated contest.
Consultation and reflection
Minister Ecweru revealed that his withdrawal did not come lightly.
“After extensive consultations with my party leaders, including Mzee, the chairperson of our party, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and after engaging my key agents and supporters, I reflected deeply on the challenges ahead,” he explained. “I then came to the conclusion that it is critical and important to withdraw my candidature as an Independent in the Amuria County race,” he said.
Ecweru emphasized that the decision was motivated by the need to promote unity within the NRM.
“Withdrawing does not mean I endorse what happened. I don’t endorse election rigging or abuse of the democratic process,” he clarified. “But in the interest of party harmony and cohesion, and following the guidance of my leaders, I am stepping down.”
“All my supporters must now support President Museveni”
The minister was quick to redirect his political machinery toward supporting the NRM presidential candidate.
“As I step down, I am committing myself and calling on all my supporters, agents, and well-wishers to expend all their energy on ensuring that President Museveni wins,” Ecweru stated firmly.
He described President Museveni’s leadership as a cornerstone of Uganda’s stability and progress.
“The winning of President Museveni guarantees the stability not only of Uganda but also of East Africa and the Horn of Africa,” he said. “It secures the developments we are witnessing in the country and ensures that they are protected and promoted.”
He went on to rally his supporters to make Amuria County a stronghold for the NRM.
“My prayer is that President Museveni wins Amuria at 100%. If we can deliver that victory, Amuria will become the best performing district in his tally, and Teso will emerge as the strongest region in his victory,” Ecweru added with conviction.
The minister also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and security.
“If we can achieve this, we will continue to enjoy the peace we have, the progress we are witnessing, and the confidence that we can go to bed and wake up safe, knowing that our future is secure,” he said.
“I am not teaching others, but this is my stand for Amuria”
Ecweru was quick to stress that his decision is personal and specific to Amuria County.
“I am not a teacher to tell other leaders what to do,” he said. “I speak for Amuria County. I, Musa Ecweru, has decided to rally my supporters behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and wish all the other candidates the best of luck in their struggles.”
The minister’s withdrawal, he said, should be seen as an act of responsibility and loyalty to the NRM, not as a sign of weakness or defeat.
“I am doing this for the good of my people of Amuria and for the unity of our great party,” he emphasized.
Official confirmation of withdrawal
At the Amuria District Electoral Commission offices, Ecweru’s official agent, Mr. Okiror Nathan, confirmed the submission of the withdrawal letter.
“I am here to tender in the withdrawal letter of Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru from the Amuria County MP race,” Okiror told reporters.
He reiterated that the decision followed careful reflection and consultation.
“We have done this after thoroughly consulting with our party leaders, the NRM leadership, our agents, and our supporters. We decided to withdraw in the spirit of party harmony and cohesion,” he said.
Okiror extended gratitude to the people of Amuria for their unwavering support throughout Ecweru’s political journey.
“We thank the people of Amuria who have stood with us all these years. We have served them with dedication, and we remain grateful for the trust and opportunity they gave us to lead,” he concluded.
The end of an era?
Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru’s withdrawal marks a significant moment in Amuria’s political history.
Having served as Member of Parliament for over 20 years and held key ministerial positions, his exit from the parliamentary race closes a long chapter of leadership that shaped the county’s development trajectory.
Political analysts say his decision could reshape alliances in the region and boost President Museveni’s fortunes in Teso, a sub-region where the NRM continues to consolidate support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
As Ecweru himself put it: “This is not the end. 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.”
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