Fifteen high-profile opposition parliamentary candidates have defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), pledging to mobilise support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The defectors were unveiled on Wednesday at the NRM headquarters in Kyadondo by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who described the move as part of a broader political realignment gaining momentum across the country.
Tayebwa presented the 15 parliamentary candidates, most of them formerly affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), saying their decision followed sustained engagement and political conviction rather than inducement.
“We have been engaging these people for several months, and we shall continue to engage more,” Tayebwa said. “There is a rumour that we buy people. These are individuals with whom we have had deeper conversations. It is a process.”
From NUP, the defectors include David Okullu (Oyam North), Eric Mukomba (Butebo), Joseph Kanto Ochen (Lamwo County), Hillary Tumuhimbise (Rujumbura), Charles Odongo (Kwania North), Dennis Onyum (Kyoga County), Walter Okot (Aswa County) and Godfrey Oryem (Omoro).
Those who crossed from FDC are Emmanuel Olebo (Kibale County, Pallisa), Martin Owako (Pallisa County), Yokania Mukeke (Bunyole East), Moses Balikowa (Bunya South), Yasin Mabaale (Bunyole West) and Edwin Namanya (Bushenyi–Ishaka).
The former opposition candidates said they would actively campaign for President Museveni and the NRM in their constituencies, citing dialogue and reassessment of their political priorities as key factors behind their decision.
Tayebwa dismissed claims, particularly from NUP, that the defections were driven by bribery or coercion, insisting the process was voluntary and transparent.
NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko welcomed the defectors, describing their move as an endorsement of the party’s leadership and national agenda.
“When you come, we become one,” Namayanja said. “We work together not just for NRM, but for the good of the country. Your decision will help mobilise communities to support President Museveni and the NRM.”
NRM Director of Information and Publicity Emmanuel Dombo said the defections demonstrated the party’s openness and expanding appeal across the political divide.
“There is free entry and exit in our bus,” Dombo said. “Once you join, you have equal rights and responsibilities.”
The defections come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2026 elections, with the NRM seeking to consolidate support while opposition parties face internal pressure and shifting allegiances.
