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The State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, has officially withdrawn from the Amuria County parliamentary race, bringing an unexpected pause to weeks of political tension, speculation, and spirited mobilization within the district.
The long-serving minister, who had earlier declared intentions to contest as an Independent candidate after losing the NRM primary election to Samuel Ediau, decision was made public by his campaign team on Tuesday afternoon following what they termed “deep reflection and consultation with party and community leaders.”
According to his chief campaign agent, Nathan Okiror, the minister will soon address the media to explain the reasons behind his decision.
Okiror confirmed that the team is preparing to deliver a formal withdrawal letter to the Amuria Electoral Commission declaring Ecweru’s exit from the 2026 parliamentary race.
Okiror also appealed to Ecweru’s supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the wake of the announcement, describing the moment as painful but necessary.
“Amidst all that is happening, I urge you to remain calm. Let’s support whichever candidate you wish but avoid causing any destruction. It’s painful, but this is his decision, and we must respect it. Leadership comes and goes, we must remain united and coordinated as a team,” Okiror said.
Ecweru’s withdrawal marks a major turning point in Amuria’s political landscape.
His independent bid had ignited enthusiasm among supporters who saw him as a resilient and tested leader with a legacy stretching over two decades of service in Parliament.
His decision now reshapes the contest and potentially alters the balance of power ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The announcement comes barely a month after Ecweru had publicly defended his plan to run as an Independent, insisting that stepping aside would be akin to “legitimizing crime.”
His sudden change of heart, therefore, has surprised both his allies and opponents.
Although his team did not cite detailed reasons for the reversal, sources close to his camp suggest that the move followed intense consultations with senior NRM figures, who reportedly urged him to step aside in the interest of party unity and cohesion in the Teso subregion.
NRM loyalists in Amuria have since welcomed the decision, interpreting it as an act of maturity, loyalty, and statesmanship.
“Hon. Ecweru has demonstrated that he values the unity of the NRM family above personal ambition,” said one district party official. “His legacy in Amuria remains unmatched, and this decision only cements his reputation as a patriotic leader.”
Political Analysts believe that Ecweru’s withdrawal could consolidate NRM’s voter base in Amuria County and minimize vote splitting that might have weakened the party’s performance in the general election.
Hon. Ecweru, who has represented Amuria County since 2001, leaves behind a track record of development programs, disaster response initiatives, and infrastructural lobbying that have defined his political journey.
More details to follow…
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I congratulate Mr Echweru for showing maturity in politics since its not a monarch
Remaining JJ Odong, Mukulas’ son
I dearly call up on Amuria voters to support Ediau since minister has withdrawn and I respect the decision he has made, early the better.
Congs to Samuel
Asal ejeje
Ecweru is a man a matured politicians we remain strong and remember what u ha ve done to Amuria.
I applaud Hon.Misa Ecweru for practicing mature politics,we need people of that caliber.