The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, has unveiled 18 opposition flag bearers who have defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), dismissing claims that they were enticed with large sums of money.
Speaking to journalists at the NRM secretariat in Kampala on Wednesday, Mr Tayebwa said the defectors are respected and high-profile leaders from different regions who made the decision after extensive consultations with the ruling party.
“These are not people who can be bought with money,” Mr Tayebwa said, adding that discussions with the defectors had been thorough before they opted to join NRM.
He said the new entrants acknowledged weaknesses within the ruling party but concluded that opposition parties did not offer viable alternatives to address Uganda’s pressing challenges.
Mr Tayebwa also revealed that talks are ongoing with other opposition figures across the country and that more defections are expected in the coming weeks.
Among those who crossed to NRM is Godfrey Oryem, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for Omoro County; Dr Martin Owako, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag bearer for Palisa Constituency; and Henry Oligo, the FDC flag bearer for Gogonyo Constituency.
Others include Walter Okot, the NUP flag bearer for Achwa County; Emanuel Olego, the FDC flag bearer for Kibale County in Palisa District; Moses Balikowa, the FDC flag bearer for Bunya South Constituency in Mayuge District; Yasin Mabale, the FDC flag bearer for Butaleja District; Mukeke Obonia, the FDC flag bearer for Bunyole East; and Godfrey Katelo, the NUP flag bearer in Palisa District.
Also joining NRM are Godfrey Beinomugisha, the NUP flag bearer for Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality; Namanya Edwine, the FDC flag bearer for Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality; Joseph Ocheng, the NUP flag bearer for Lamwo County; Hiraly Tumuhimbise, the NUP flag bearer for Bujumbura County; David Okolo, the NUP flag bearer for Oyam County; Allan Odong, the NUP flag bearer for Kwania North Constituency; Eric Mukombo, the NUP flag bearer for Butebo District; Talemwa Innocent, an NUP mobiliser in Buhweju District; and Denis Onyum, the NUP flag bearer for Kyoga County in Amolatar District.
Welcoming the defectors, the NRM Deputy Secretary General, Ms Rose Namayanja, described their decision as an act of patriotism and a commitment to national development.
She said one of NRM’s core strengths is its inclusiveness and willingness to engage people from diverse political backgrounds.
“We believe that every Ugandan has something to contribute to the development of this country,” Ms Namayanja said, noting that both she and Mr Tayebwa are products of NRM’s inclusive politics.
Ms Namayanja revealed that she was previously a founding vice president of the Uganda Young Democrats under the Democratic Party before rising through NRM structures to her current position. She called for unity and teamwork within the ruling party.
Her remarks come amid debate over the legality of opposition flag bearers switching parties.
Recently, FDC presidential candidate Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi cited the law, arguing that party flag bearers cannot cross to another party without endorsement from the party that sponsored them, adding that those who defected without consultation would still appear on the ballot.
In response, Ms Namayanja said NRM would carry out due diligence to ensure that the defectors formally notify the Electoral Commission and their former parties.
She added that, in the meantime, the defectors would mobilise support for NRM and encourage their supporters to vote for the ruling party and President Museveni as the legal process is concluded.
