Kampala, Uganda: The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Hon. Richard Todwong, on Sunday welcomed hundreds of former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who defected to the ruling party, describing their return as “a homecoming.”
Speaking at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala on Sunday, Todwong expressed delight at the large youthful crowd, assuring them of support and opportunities under the NRM government.
“We have shared with you, you are full of life and vibe. We love you so much. We have been missing you. Where have you been? The National Resistance Movement is a party for young people. All of you here, the way I see you, were produced during NRM time. And we are committed to make sure you live a full life,” Todwong said.
The SG contrasted what he called “good politics” against “bad politics,” urging the defectors to embrace teamwork and national progress. “The bad politics teaches you how to hate, how to fight, how to look at yourself as a failed person. But the good politics that we in NRM practice is the politics that helps us work together, be together as a team. Because you are because I am, and since I am, therefore you are. When I develop, you should develop.”
Hon Todwong assured the defectors that the NRM would promote their talents, businesses, and innovative ideas, pledging direct mentorship and opportunities. He also revealed that the group will be presented to President Yoweri Museveni during his nomination on Tuesday.
“I want you to be different now that you have come to NRM, just to show those who are still there that NRM is where to belong,” he declared, urging them to recruit more of their peers into the ruling party.
The event was punctuated by chants and cheers as the defectors symbolically exchanged their red NUP regalia for the NRM’s signature yellow.
NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja-Nsereko, who herself crossed from the opposition DP to join the ruling party, welcomed the newcomers, saying: “I am one of the founders of Uganda Young Democrats (UYD). But I left it and joined the mighty NRM party. Welcome to the winning party and supporting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the tried and tested leader in Uganda.”
NRM National Treasurer Barbara Nekesa Oundo urged the defectors to embrace the party’s four principles of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Democracy, and Socio-Economic Transformation. “We are now enforcing the fourth principle of socio-economic transformation. We are fighting poverty and ensuring that we have money in our pockets as Ugandans,” she said.
The high-profile function was also attended by senior NRM Secretariat officials including Hon. Fred Omach, Deputy EC Chairman; Hon. Emmanuel Lumala Dombo, Director for Communications; Maj. (Rtd) Okwir Rabwoni, Director Youth and Institutions; and EC Commissioners Hon. Driwaru Zaitun and Hon. Auma Modesta Juliana.
The mass defection comes as NRM intensifies its mobilization drive ahead of the 2026 general elections, with the party keen on consolidating its base among young Ugandans.
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