Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, has voiced his disappointment following the withdrawal of outgoing Mawogola North MP Shartsi Kutesa Musherure from the parliamentary race. He implied that gender-based pressure may have influenced her decision to step down on Sunday.

“Shartsi’s only mistake is being a woman. She’s a much better man than most,” he posted on Monday.

Shartsi, who is the sister-in-law to Gen Muhoozi through his wife Charlotte Nankunda Kutesa, exited the Mawogola North NRM primaries in favor of Mr. Godfrey Aine Sodo Kaguta—Muhoozi’s uncle.

In her official statement, Shartsi cited a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni and further consultations with her family as the basis for her withdrawal. “I regret to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature for the position of the NRM flag bearer for Mawogola North for the 2026–2031 period,” she announced.

Gen Muhoozi joined several of her supporters in applauding Shartsi’s service, praising her character and contributions. He extended an invitation for her to join his political pressure group, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), writing, “Government posts do not define a person… Shartsi is welcome to the struggle. I am happy to have her as a fellow companion.”

In a striking show of support, Muhoozi remarked that if he were her brother rather than her brother-in-law, he would contest in her place against his uncle.

Public figures also echoed sentiments of admiration. Media personality Faridah Nakazibwe described Shartsi as a dignified leader and “a people's representative” whose exit is a loss for the greater Masaka region. Meanwhile, Minister Balaam Barugahara suggested she would be a valuable addition to the Cabinet, citing her dedication and rapport with the public.