NRM Welcomes Hundreds of NUP Defectors in Kampala
The symbolic event is taking place at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala, where the party’s Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, is leading senior officials in welcoming the new members into what he described as “the family of progress and stability.”
Kampala, Uganda — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has today received a major boost after hundreds of former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters from across Kampala officially crossed over to join the party.
The symbolic event is taking place at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala, where the party’s Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, is leading senior officials in welcoming the new members into what he described as “the family of progress and stability.”
“Seeing the Light”
Speaking at the gathering, Todwong commended the defectors for what he called a bold and patriotic decision to embrace the ruling party’s vision. He emphasized that the NRM has consistently provided a platform for peace, stability, and socio-economic transformation, values which he said were being undermined by opposition politics centered on agitation and empty promises.
“You have chosen the path of truth, peace, and service to your country. NRM is a home for all Ugandans, regardless of their past political affiliations. Today, you are no longer strangers but members of our family,” Todwong remarked.
Mobilization Across Divisions
The new entrants were drawn from all five divisions of Kampala — Central, Kawempe, Makindye, Nakawa, and Rubaga — underscoring what NRM officials described as a steady tide of support in urban areas previously considered strongholds of the opposition.
Senior NRM leaders present noted that the decision by former NUP supporters to “see the light” and join the ruling party was a reflection of growing disillusionment with opposition leadership.
Focus on Unity and Development
NRM leaders used the platform to call for greater unity among Ugandans, urging the defectors to actively participate in mobilization and development programs at the grassroots level.
“You are not just joining a political party; you are joining a movement that has steered Uganda through difficult times and continues to lay the foundation for a prosperous future,” said one senior official.
The event was characterized by speeches, symbolic handovers of party membership cards, and pledges of loyalty to the NRM cause.
Political Implications
The defection comes at a time when Uganda is inching closer to the 2026 general elections, with political mobilization intensifying across the country. Analysts say such moves could be aimed at strengthening the NRM’s hold in Kampala, a city where opposition parties have traditionally commanded strong support.
For the new converts, however, the shift was described as a personal choice motivated by what they termed as the need for a more pragmatic political home.
