State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, has announced his decision to bow out of the 2026 parliamentary race, citing persistent political sabotage from the National Unity Platform (NUP) as the key reason behind his withdrawal.
Dr. Muyingo, a long-serving legislator and senior member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has represented Bamunanika County in Luweero District since 2006. Known for his background in education and grassroots mobilization, he had become a familiar figure in Uganda’s political landscape.
However, the tide began to shift in the 2021 general elections when Muyingo was unseated by his former campaign manager, Robert Ssekitoleko, a rising figure under the NUP banner. In a closely contested race, Ssekitoleko secured 27,850 votes, defeating Muyingo who garnered 24,463 votes—a painful loss for the seasoned politician.
Speaking publicly about his decision to step away from elective politics, Muyingo attributed his withdrawal to ongoing frustrations and political hurdles allegedly orchestrated by the opposition party. He claimed that ever since the 2021 elections, his political activities have been met with resistance, undermining his efforts to mobilize and implement community programs.
“This isn’t just about an election loss. It’s about the environment in which we are now operating. My attempts to serve have been systematically frustrated,” Muyingo said.
Despite his exit from the parliamentary race, Muyingo expressed continued commitment to public service, particularly in the education sector where he has held various leadership roles both before and during his time in politics.
As Bamunanika prepares for yet another hotly contested race in 2026, Muyingo’s departure leaves the NRM with a critical decision on who will carry the party’s flag in the constituency—while also signaling the increasing influence of opposition forces in central Uganda.
