In a bold move that has sparked both applause and debate, Parliament Speaker Annet Anita Among has publicly called on Dr. Agaba Abbas Mugisha, a former Kitagwenda County MP, to step aside from the 2026 parliamentary race and throw his support behind the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, Robert Mugabe. But here's where it gets controversial: Among's appeal, made during a campaign rally for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, raises questions about party loyalty versus individual ambition—a tension that’s all too familiar in Ugandan politics.
During her address at Kayombo Primary School in Kitagwenda Town Council, Among pointed out that Dr. Agaba currently holds a leadership position within the NRM, serving as the Secretary for Finance in charge of entrepreneurship on the Kitagwenda District Executive Committee. “As a party leader, I’m urging Dr. Agaba to withdraw and allow our flag bearer, Robert Mugabe, a clear path to represent the NRM,” she stated, her words met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Yet, this raises a thought-provoking question: Should party members always prioritize collective goals over personal political aspirations?
Among didn’t stop there. She went on to encourage all independent-leaning candidates to respect party decisions and unite behind NRM candidates ahead of the 2026 elections. “Let’s work together to secure victory for the NRM and President Museveni,” she added, framing unity as the key to success. But this is the part most people miss: While party cohesion is vital, the rise of independent candidates often reflects a desire for fresh voices and alternatives in politics. Is the NRM’s push for unity stifling healthy political competition?
Dr. Agaba’s political journey adds another layer to this story. He previously represented Kitagwenda County from 2016 to 2021 but lost to the incumbent MP, Joseph Nulu Byamukama. In the recent NRM primaries, he was defeated by Robert Mugabe, the former interim District Chairperson of Kitagwenda. Currently, Dr. Agaba serves as the Secretary General of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, a role that highlights his broader influence beyond local politics.
Here’s the real question for you: Is Among’s call for Dr. Agaba to step down a necessary move to strengthen party unity, or does it undermine the democratic spirit of competition? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the balance between party loyalty and individual political ambition in Uganda’s political landscape.
