The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has unveiled more than 20 defectors from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
The defectors were received at a press conference addressed by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who dismissed claims that the politicians had been coerced or bribed to join the ruling party.
“Among these members, none was forced or bought to join NRM. I can assure the public that joining NRM is voluntary. Just like myself, I made a personal decision to join NRM from FDC, where I previously belonged,” Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa added that convincing the politicians to cross over had not been easy, insisting the process required patience and persuasion rather than inducements.
“It has been a huge task to convince them to join the party. NRM is a party for everybody. We welcome these new members because they are going to be useful to the party and will help build it using the knowledge and experience they come with. Uganda must move forward,” he said.
NRM deputy secretary general Rose Namayanja also welcomed the defectors, echoing Tayebwa’s remarks that they joined the ruling party out of personal conviction.
She noted that the recruits, who include MPs and party flag bearers, will be assigned special duties, particularly mobilising for the party in their respective districts.
Among the defectors are Godfrey Oryemu, a former NUP flag bearer for Omoro County in Omoro District; Dr Martin Owako, an FDC flag bearer for Palisa County; Henry Onaigo, an FDC MP flag bearer for Gogonya County in Pallisa and Emmanuel Olebo of FDC, among others.
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