Ex-Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu Reveals Plans After NRM Primary Loss
Ex-Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu Reveals Plans After NRM Primary Loss
Manafwa, Uganda – Former Minister for Karamoja Affairs and outgoing Manafwa District Woman Member of Parliament, Mary Goretti Kitutu, has officially announced that she will not contest in the 2026 general elections as an independent candidate following her defeat in the NRM primaries.
Kitutu, who has served in Parliament for a decade, made the announcement through a statement issued earlier today. She emphasized her respect for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party position and reaffirmed her loyalty to its leadership.
“I will not be contesting as an independent candidate, but will instead focus my efforts on mobilizing support for the President in the upcoming elections,” the statement read. Kitutu also extended her gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the opportunity to serve in the Cabinet, calling her time in government an “honour and privilege.”
In the recently concluded NRM primaries for the Manafwa District Woman MP seat, Kitutu was defeated by political newcomer Annet Musibikha, who emerged as the clear winner with 34,895 votes. She was followed by Rose Mutonyi with 28,691 votes, while Kitutu trailed in third with 10,322 votes.
Kitutu’s decision not to run as an independent is seen as a move to preserve party unity and signals her continued commitment to the ruling party’s broader electoral agenda. Political analysts note that her support for President Museveni’s re-election campaign could still play a significant role in the region.
Her exit from the parliamentary race marks the end of a 10-year legislative career, during which she also held the ministerial portfolio for Karamoja Affairs—a position that brought her both influence and scrutiny.
As the general election draws closer, focus now shifts to Annet Musibikha, who will represent the NRM flag in a race that promises to reshape Manafwa’s political landscape.
