Over 30 Independent MPs Move to Formalize Cooperation with NRM in Strategic Parliamentary Realignment
The development emerged during a meeting held Monday at the NRM party headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala, where the legislators began signing expressions of interest to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the party.
More than 30 independent Members of Parliament have formally expressed interest in working with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), in a move expected to reshape parliamentary cooperation and bolster coordination between independently elected legislators and the government side.
The development emerged during a meeting held Monday at the NRM party headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala, where the legislators began signing expressions of interest to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the party.
Among Reassures Independents
Addressing the meeting, Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, assured the independent MPs that their constitutional status would remain intact even as they explore structured collaboration with the ruling party.
“As Members of Parliament, legally and politically, you are independent. You cannot cross the floor, and that is why you are independent,” Among said. “But I want to assure you that the same benefits that NRM members receive will also be extended to you once you sign the memorandum of understanding.”
She emphasized that the arrangement is designed to promote inclusivity and national development rather than alter political identity. According to Among, independent MPs who align with the NRM through the MoU framework will have access to leadership opportunities and will be invited to major party engagements, including the upcoming retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
Among also described her coordinating role over independent legislators, referring to the Speaker as the “Dean of Independents,” responsible for ensuring their effective participation in parliamentary business and national transformation efforts.
“Our work is to support the social and economic transformation of our people. You are the voice of the people, and you must work with government to deliver progress,” she added.
She revealed that more than 30 independent MPs have already initiated the process, with additional legislators expected to join. A formal unveiling of all participating independents will be conducted during the Kyankwanzi retreat, where they will be officially presented to the party leadership.
NRM Leadership Welcomes the Move
On behalf of the NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon Richard Todwong, the party’s National Treasurer, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, welcomed the legislators and described the initiative as a step toward unity and collective action in tackling poverty and underdevelopment.
“Unity is very important. What the Speaker is doing is removing any barriers between the NRM and independent Members of Parliament. These are imaginary barriers,” Nekesa said. “We welcome you home and we are ready to support you in serving your people.”
She commended Among for bridging what she termed a gap between the ruling party and independently elected leaders, noting that closer collaboration would strengthen the NRM’s grassroots structures and national agenda.
Legal Clarification on the Process
The NRM Director of Legal Services, Counsel Enoch Barata, clarified that the documents being signed are expressions of interest rather than instruments of formal party crossing.
“You are not crossing, but you intend to work with the NRM during your term of office,” Barata explained. “We will use these expressions of interest to compile a list for invitations and prepare memorandums of understanding to be signed at the official function.”
He stressed that participation remains voluntary, with only willing MPs being included in the arrangement.
The meeting was also attended by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Tanga Odoi, his deputy Fred Jachan Omach, and other commissioners.
Political Implications
The development signals a strategic effort by the NRM to consolidate working relationships in Parliament without triggering constitutional restrictions on floor-crossing. By formalizing cooperation through memorandums of understanding rather than party membership changes, the arrangement allows independent MPs to retain their legal status while aligning with the ruling party’s legislative agenda.
If fully realized, the initiative could significantly influence parliamentary dynamics, particularly in the passage of key government legislation and oversight matters, while reinforcing the NRM’s numerical and political strength ahead of future political engagements.
The anticipated unveiling of the participating legislators at Kyankwanzi is expected to further clarify the scope and structure of the cooperation framework, marking a new chapter in relations between independent MPs and the ruling party.
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