By Our Reporter

Amuria District - The State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, has officially withdrawn from the Amuria County parliamentary race, a decision that has sent ripples through the district’s political landscape and ended weeks of speculation surrounding his next move.

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, made his withdrawal public through his campaign team on Tuesday afternoon. His team cited “deep reflection and consultation with party and community leaders” as the key reasons behind the move.

Speaking on behalf of the minister, Nathan Okiror, the chief campaign agent, confirmed that preparations were underway to submit a formal withdrawal letter to the Amuria Electoral Commission, officially marking Ecweru’s exit from the 2026 parliamentary race.

Okiror emphasized that Hon. Ecweru’s decision followed careful thought and consultations at various levels. He urged supporters to accept the decision with calmness and maturity, noting that while it was painful, it was made in the spirit of unity and peace.

“Amidst all that is happening, I urge you to remain calm. Let’s support whichever candidate you wish, but avoid any form of destruction. It’s painful, but this is his decision, and we must respect it. Leadership comes and goes — what matters most is our unity,” Okiror said.

The announcement marks a turning point in Amuria’s political atmosphere. Ecweru’s independent bid had generated enthusiasm among many supporters who viewed him as a resilient, experienced, and development-oriented leader with a political career spanning over two decades.

Just a month ago, the minister had defended his intention to contest as an Independent, arguing that stepping down would be tantamount to “legitimizing crime.” His sudden change of heart has therefore come as a surprise to both supporters and critics alike.

Although his campaign team did not reveal the full reasons for his withdrawal, sources close to the minister indicated that the decision came after intensive consultations with senior NRM figures, who reportedly encouraged him to step aside in the interest of party unity and cohesion within the Teso subregion.

NRM party loyalists in Amuria have since welcomed the decision, describing it as a display of maturity, discipline, and loyalty to the party’s ideals.

“Hon. Ecweru has shown that he values the unity of the NRM family above personal ambition,” said one district party official. “His legacy in Amuria speaks for itself, and this move only strengthens his image as a statesman.”

Political analysts believe that Ecweru’s withdrawal could unite the NRM voter base in Amuria County, minimizing the risk of vote splitting that might have affected the party’s performance in the 2026 general elections.

Having represented Amuria County since 2001, Hon. Musa Ecweru is credited with numerous achievements — from spearheading infrastructural development projects to disaster response initiatives that have improved livelihoods in the region.

As Amuria County prepares for a reshaped political contest ahead of 2026, Ecweru’s decision to bow out marks both the end of a defining political chapter and the beginning of new alignments within the district’s leadership landscape.

More updates to follow as Hon. Ecweru prepares to address the media.