By Aggrey Twesigye
Mbarara District Chairperson Didas Tabaro has withdrawn from the 2026 race just days after being nominated by the Electoral Commission to run as an independent candidate.
Tabaro, who also serves as the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) coordinator for the Ankole region, announced his decision after consultations with the PLU top leadership.
His exit clears the way for NRM flag bearer Hygiene Twongyirwe to sail through unopposed for the district’s top seat.
The development comes after Tabaro lost the NRM primaries to Twongyirwe, who garnered 25,291 votes (60.1%) against his 16,778 votes (39.9%).
Speaking shortly after stepping down, Tabaro said he will now focus on mobilising support for President Yoweri Museveni across Ankole.
His withdrawal makes him the third district chairperson in the region to bow out of the race, following similar decisions by Bushenyi District Chairperson Jaffar Basajabalaba and Rubirizi District Chairperson Sylvester Agubanshongorire.
