Four Candidates Withdraw from Race and Join Irene Muloni for Elgon North
Four candidates who contested in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for Elgon North have stepped aside to join and rally behind Irene Muloni in the 2026 general elections.
The candidates include Nagemesi Buyi Stephen, Sam Gibuzuyi, Mongo Patrick, and Nakisisa Ballak. After losing in the NRM primaries some had aready been nominated to contest as independents.
The four decided to withdraw from the race following a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni during his campaign trail in Bulambuli, the President reportedly advised them to unite and support one candidate.
This development leaves the race with only two contenders , Gerald Nangoli, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Elgon North Constituency, and Irene Muloni, the current Woman Member of Parliament for Bulambuli District.
While addressing voters during Irene Muloni’s campaign in Buginyanya Sub-county, the four former aspirants revealed that President Museveni had encouraged them to rally behind a single candidate. They said they chose to support Muloni because of her strong connection with the government and her proven record of service.
The former candidates, who accompanied Irene Muloni during her campaign in Buginyanya, jointly called upon their supporters from the NRM primaries to rally behind her in the general election, saying she is the right person to represent Elgon North. They also pointed out irregularities that occurred during the NRM primaries.
Mr. Nagemesi stated that their decision to support Muloni was driven by her commitment to improving service delivery in Elgon North, particularly in areas of road infrastructure, electricity extension, and other community development projects.
Patrick Mongo also expressed his confidence in Irene Muloni’s leadership, describing her as a tested and capable leader. He noted that during her tenure as Minister of Energy, she oversaw the extension of electricity across the district and helped connect many youths to employment opportunities. He urged his former supporters from the primaries to rally behind Muloni in the forthcoming elections.
In her remarks, Irene Muloni thanked the people of Buginyanya for their warm reception and pledged to follow up on the construction of the Simu Kona–Masila–Bufumbo road to help farmers transport their produce to markets. She also promised to address electricity challenges in areas that still lack power or where connections are not functional.
Muloni commended the former candidates who joined her campaign, describing their move as a sign of unity, love, and understanding. She pledged to work together with them to foster the development of Elgon North Constituency. She further assured residents that she would engage relevant ministries to ensure electricity reaches more homes in the constituency.
Local residents, including Oliva Kisyelo and Nagayi Derick from Sisyi Parish in Buginyanya Sub-county, expressed optimism about Muloni’s campaign, saying Elgon North is a rich constituency that needs leaders committed to improving roads, electricity supply, and youth skilling programs.
Irene Muloni has so far completed her vote mobilization in Buginyanya Sub-county, covering the parishes of Kirwari, Tabali, Ginduno, Sisyi, Goozi, and Bunataje. She is scheduled to begin campaigns in Bufumbo
Sub-county tomorrow.
