AMURIA DISTRICT – The State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, has officially withdrawn from the Amuria County parliamentary race, bringing an unexpected end to weeks of political tension, speculation, and spirited mobilization across the district.
The long-serving minister, who had earlier declared his intention to contest as an Independent candidate after losing the NRM primary election to Samuel Ediau, announced his withdrawal through his campaign team on Tuesday afternoon. The team cited “deep reflection and consultation with party and community leaders” as the basis for the decision.
According to Mr. Okiror, a member of Ecweru’s campaign team, preparations are underway to deliver a formal withdrawal letter to the Amuria District Electoral Commission, officially confirming the minister’s exit from the 2026 parliamentary race.
“Amidst all that is happening, I urge you to remain calm,” Okiror appealed to Ecweru’s supporters. “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.”
Ecweru’s withdrawal marks a major turning point in Amuria’s political landscape. His independent bid had earlier ignited enthusiasm among supporters who viewed him as a resilient and seasoned leader with over two decades of parliamentary service.
The announcement, however, 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 has therefore come as a surprise to both allies and opponents alike.
Although his team has not provided detailed reasons for the reversal, sources close to the minister suggest that the decision followed intense consultations with senior NRM figures, who reportedly advised him to withdraw in the interest of party unity and cohesion within the Teso subregion.
NRM loyalists in Amuria have since welcomed the decision, describing it as a gesture 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 Ecweru’s withdrawal could strengthen the NRM’s voter base in Amuria County and minimize vote-splitting that might have weakened the party’s performance in the upcoming general elections.
Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, who has represented Amuria County since 2001, leaves behind a distinguished record of service characterized by development projects, disaster response programs, and infrastructural lobbying that have shaped his political career.
