By Yusuf Obbo
Hajji Abubaker Walubi, the NRM chairperson for Iganga District, has publicly declared he will not run as an independent after losing the party flag for the LC5 chairperson seat to Gabula Ezera. Gabula secured 50,649 votes, defeating Walubi who garnered 22,308 votes.
Speaking to the press, Walubi congratulated Gabula and pledged full support for his candidacy in the forthcoming general elections.
“Firstly, I congratulate Mr. Gabula Ezera for winning the LC5 party elections. Despite everything that happened in the entire process, I declare my support for him as we face other parties in the upcoming general elections,” Walubi stated.
The contest for the LC5 seat was highly competitive, with tensions flaring at several polling stations, where clashes between supporters and security forces were reported.
Walubi also addressed recent calls from supporters of Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga urging him to apologize over his political stance. He firmly rejected the idea, insisting he stands by his support for Speaker Anita Among’s bid for the Central Executive Committee (CEC) position.
“To anyone expecting an apology—you will not get it. I have no reason to apologize. I harmed no one. Supporting Anita Among is not a crime, and I have the right to back whoever I choose,” he said.
He criticized efforts to regionalize the CEC position, asserting that it is a national role, not one reserved for Kadaga or the Busoga region.
Walubi further emphasized his commitment to supporting only NRM flag bearers in the 2026 general elections. He discouraged members from running as independents after losing in the primaries, warning that this trend could undermine the party’s strength.
“As the party chairman in the district, I will not support anyone who lost and chooses to come as an independent. We must rally behind our flag bearers to challenge opposition parties effectively. Still, I respect the rights of those who wish to go independent, it’s their choice,” he concluded.
