Nebbi, Uganda: At least 500 members of various opposition political parties in Nebbi District and Nebbi Municipality have defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The defectors, largely composed of youth from sub-counties including Parombo, Erussi, Ndew, Jupangira, Nebbi Sub-county, and Nebbi Municipality, were received on Monday during a function held at GAF Gardens, Nebbi Municipality, presided over by Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development.
Nyamutoro, who also serves as National Youth MP, expressed excitement that the majority of the defectors were young people seeking meaningful participation in Uganda’s political and development agenda.
“There is a wrong narrative that young people in NRM are bribed to stay; this is not true,” Nyamutoro said. “Today’s youth joining NRM understand its ideology, they recognize Uganda’s transformation and the party’s role in shaping where we want to go as a country.”
George Adubango Kermundu, NRM Chairperson for Nebbi District, hailed the mass defection as a milestone for the ruling party in the district’s quest to consolidate support ahead of 2026.
“I am the happiest person today. Receiving over 500 defectors from opposition parties into NRM is a great achievement. According to our party constitution, every Ugandan qualifies to be a member regardless of tribe, religion, or background,” Adubango said.
He tasked the new members to champion unity, loyalty, and service delivery under the NRM banner.
The defectors included prominent opposition figures such as Odong Issa, former FDC Chairperson for Erussi Sub-county, and Jimmy Jawoko, District Secretary for Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). Both cited frustration and lack of progress within their former parties.
“Over the years, I have seen no hope in FDC,” Odong said. “I thank the leadership of NRM and the RDC’s office for championing mobilization that has made me join NRM and become a free man.”
Jawoko urged others still in opposition to cross over: “Leadership is about service delivery. Let’s work together to develop Nebbi District.”
Maj. Martha Asiimwe, Head of the RDC Secretariat in the Office of the President, described the wave of defections as a testament to reconciliation and unity in Nebbi District.
“The defection of FDC, NUP, and UPC members is timely as political temperatures rise ahead of 2026,” Asiimwe said.
Nebbi RDC Robert Abark welcomed the new members and reaffirmed his office’s commitment to mobilizing support for the party and government.
“My role is to give direction and ensure unity. This defection signals more people will join NRM for the good of Nebbi’s development,” he said.
He called on leaders at all levels to work together across party lines to promote peace, unity, and service delivery in the district.
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