Luwita rules out independent bid, pledges support to museveni

3 September 2025, 09:14

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Eng. Raymond Luwita, former aspirant for the Aruu County parliamentary seat, has officially announced that he will not contest as an independent candidate in the forthcoming elections.

His declaration was made yesterday, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, during his radio talk show on Rapa FM radio

In a statement released to the public, Eng. Luwita said his decision follows personal reflection, consultations with the community, and guidance from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leadership.

He, however, expressed concern over irregularities and intimidation during the NRM primaries, which he claims cast doubt on the legitimacy of the results.

During the NRM primaries, the incumbent Hon. Komakech Christopher won the Aruu County MP seat with 10,360 votes, while Luwita secured 6,991 votes.

Despite his loss, Luwita refused to sign the official declaration forms, citing chaos and irregularities in the electoral process.

Although withdrawing from the race, Eng. Luwita pledged to continue serving the people of Pader District as Chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League.

He stated that while he will not endorse any candidate due to unfamiliarity with their manifestos, he remains committed to mobilizing support for the Party President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

He also thanked his supporters for their trust and promised to continue working for the community.

Meanwhile, other candidates have also announced independent bids following setbacks in the NRM primaries.

In the Women’s MP race, incumbent Aciro Paska Menya declared an independent run after losing her election petition challenging the victory of Lowila CD Oketayot, who won with 18,807 votes (53.8%) against Paska Menya’s 16,138 votes (44.2%).

Similarly, in the LC5 Chairperson race, incumbent Fearless Obwoya Oyat declared an independent bid after finishing third in the NRM primaries.

Alfred Akena emerged victorious with 15,637 votes (39.63%), defeating Oringa Godfrey Largo, who received 12,021 votes (30.46%), and Obwoya Oyat, who garnered 11,803 votes (29.9%).