Oyam, Uganda: Patrick Ogwang Obura’s parliamentary campaign has gained fresh momentum in Oyam South after a group of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) supporters from Kamdini formally switched allegiance to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), citing exclusion and frustration from within their former party.
At least 100 UPC members officially joined NRM during a community engagement meeting held in Kamdini Sub County, while others pledged their support for Obura’s campaign irrespective of party affiliation.
The gathering attracted a wide mix of NRM loyalists, independents, and disenchanted UPC supporters, united by what they described as Obura’s “development-driven leadership.”
Among the defectors was Anna Acia, a prominent figure in UPC circles, who disclosed that she and her group were sidelined from participating in the party’s structural processes because of their support for Ogwang Obura.
“We felt sidelined and unfairly treated simply because we expressed support for a leader focused on development,” Acia said, explaining their decision to cross to NRM.
Community elder Jurubabel Opio Okori urged residents of Kamdini to vote wisely, cautioning against leaders who use political office to amass personal wealth. “Let us vote for those who have worked for the people, not those who want to go into leadership to get wealth,” he advised, drawing applause from the crowd.
Ogwang Obura, who is seeking the NRM flag for the Oyam South MP seat, welcomed the wave of support, interpreting it as a mandate for inclusive, people-first leadership.
“This is not just about politics, it’s about progress. The people of Oyam South have spoken, and I’m here to turn their trust into transformation. Together, we will connect every village to opportunity and ensure no one is left behind,” Obura said.
He pledged to formally introduce the new converts to President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM Secretary General as part of his campaign to anchor Oyam South firmly into the national development agenda.
Obura also highlighted his ongoing grassroots work, including the rehabilitation of community boreholes, the distribution of poultry for income generation, and direct support to schools, as evidence of his hands-on leadership style.
But not all voices agree with the reported defections. Sam Paul Ogwang Alunyu, the former UPC chairperson for Oyam South, dismissed the developments as propaganda, insisting there was no official shift within UPC ranks.
“There was no crossing. Not at all,” Alunyu said. “More than 60% of those who attended have since contacted me to clarify that they did not understand the meeting’s purpose and remain committed to UPC.”
He accused a “small group of disgruntled individuals” of using personal frustrations to create the impression of a party exodus. “They are acting out of personal disappointment. That’s not a party shift; that’s frustration.”
As the NRM primaries draw closer, the race for Oyam South is heating up, with Obura positioning himself as a unifier capable of delivering visible transformation across political lines.
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