MP Nsibambi Defects to NRM After Losing Seat
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Vice Chairperson for Central Region and former Mawokota South Member of Parliament, Yusuf Nsibambi, has defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Nsibambi officially crossed to the NRM on February 18, together with several independent Members of Parliament. He cited what he described as a lack of clear direction and coordination within the opposition.
He was received by the NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female), who is also the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, and the party Secretary General, Richard Todwong.
“We hereby extend an official welcome to the Honourable Yusuf Nsibambi into the NRM family. We appreciate your recognition of the importance of our cause and your decision to join the movement dedicated to safeguarding and strengthening our nation’s achievements,” Among posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
Nsibambi, who lost the Mawokota South County parliamentary seat to Suzan Nakawuki of the NRM in the recent general elections, said he was not forced to join the ruling party.
“I am joining willingly, and I am ready to be given any task by the NRM party. I accept the results from the general elections. I have joined the struggle for peace,” he said at the NRM offices in Kampala on February 18.
He joined a group of independent Members of Parliament who signed up with the party last week and were ushered in by Among and Rose Namayanja, the NRM Deputy Secretary General.
Nsibambi was accompanied by Gyaviira Ssemwanga, MP for Buyamba County in Rakai District. He said he has the zeal and strength to work for the party.
On February 6, Nsibambi and others were hosted by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe.
In several media interviews, Nsibambi said this was the fourth time he had engaged with the President within a year, with the most recent meetings taking place on January 3 and February 5.
“When I talked with President Museveni, I realized he is a good person who listens to everyone. That is not what I experienced on the opposition side. About 150 of my supporters are ready to join the NRM,” he said.
“They are tired of fights and want dialogue,” he added.
Todwong commended Nsibambi for joining the party, saying his wealth of experience, intellect, and commitment to national service are valuable assets to the NRM’s shared ideology of patriotism, democracy, pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation.
He said the party is proud to have him on board as they continue building a stronger Uganda together.
