Evelyn Anite Bows Out of Koboko Politics, Boasts of Knees That Took Her to Harvard
Use Your Knees or Cut Them Off” In a widely circulated post on X (formerly Twitter), Anite responded to critics resurfacing an infamous photo of her kneeling while addressing NRM members all dressed in military attires during a past NRM function in Kyankwanzi where she cajoled members to declare Museveni a sole unopposed candidate in the 2016 general elections.
Uganda Today Edition: Evelyn Anite Bows Out of Koboko Politics, Boasts of Knees That Took Her to Harvard
By Uganda Today Political Desk
📍Koboko, Uganda | 🗓️ May 1, 2025
📢 Tags: Evelyn Anite, Koboko Politics, Robert Kyagulanyi, NRM, Ayume, 2026 Elections
In a flamboyant and defiant social media post that has drawn both ridicule and reflection, Evelyn Anite, Uganda’s State Minister for Investment, confirmed she will not contest again for the Koboko Municipality parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Anite, once a vocal mouthpiece for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), rose to political fame for her unwavering support of President Yoweri Museveni and her aggressive style of politicking. However, she has remained politically sidelined since losing her seat in 2021 to Charles Ayume, a popular and youthful contender backed by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu a.k.a. Bobi Wine.
“Use Your Knees or Cut Them Off”
In a widely circulated post on X (formerly Twitter), Anite responded to critics resurfacing an infamous photo of her kneeling while addressing NRM members all dressed in military attires during a past NRM function in Kyankwanzi where she cajoled members to declare Museveni a sole unopposed candidate in the 2016 general elections.
“Yes, it’s me on my own knees, and these knees have taken me places,” Anite wrote. “Best Uni in the World (@Kennedy_School), Minister for more than 10 yrs. You who is talking learn how to use your knees well if not cut them off.”
Her unapologetic tone and reference to Harvard’s Kennedy School ignited fresh public debate, with critics questioning the symbolism and political cost of her submission-style politics in a changing Uganda.
Ayume’s Rise, Kyagulanyi’s Impact
Anite’s political downfall in Koboko has often been credited to a shifting political tide in West Nile, accelerated by Robert Kyagulanyi’s growing influence among youth and independent-minded voters. During the heated 2021 campaigns, Anite had infamously claimed that Kyagulanyi was “not welcome in Koboko”, saying she “held the key to the gate of Koboko.”
However, the massive crowds that welcomed Kyagulanyi to the region told a different story. His endorsement of Ayume galvanized youth support and added momentum to what became Anite’s resounding defeat.
Anite’s Exit and NRM’s Local Troubles
Though she remains a minister, Anite’s withdrawal from elective politics in her home district marks yet another sign of the internal fractures within the ruling party, especially in regions once considered NRM strongholds.
Political observers note that the West Nile region, once solidly behind Museveni, has witnessed growing dissent and the emergence of opposition-leaning independents in recent elections.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections, Anite’s dramatic exit and her knee-themed farewell have become symbolic of an era of patronage politics clashing with rising public expectations for dignity, service, and generational leadership.
For more updates on Uganda’s 2026 political dynamics, follow
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