Sironkо, Eastern Uganda: The government’s wealth creation campaign Saturday scored fresh political ground in Sironko District ahead of the 126 general elections after a group of opposition leaders and supporters from the National Unity Platform (NUP) officially crossed to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), citing frustration with the opposition’s failure to improve their livelihoods.
The high-profile defections were welcomed by Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Manager, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, alongside Sironko Woman MP NRM Flag bearer Hon. Asha Nabulo Mafabi and other NRM leaders during a massive empowerment outreach held September 27, 2025, at Sironko High School Playgrounds in Sironko District.
Leading the group of defectors were councilors Nangoli Emma and Nyole Bright, who were joined by several grassroots leaders and youth mobilizers from Budadiri East and West constituencies cited the government’s tangible support for ordinary Ugandans through wealth creation initiatives as the driving force behind their decision to abandon NUP.
“We joined the opposition with hope, but all we saw was empty talk and endless fights. Here in Sironko, people need jobs, start-up capital, and real empowerment. The government, through Hajjat Namyalo efforts, thought about us and gave us these tools,” said Councilor Nangoli Emma, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
His colleague, Councilor Nyole Bright, echoed similar sentiments: “Our people are tired of political rallies that end with no results. The sewing machines, welding machines, hair dryers, and other tools given out today are what our youth need. We cannot continue wasting time with opposition leaders who only make noise without solutions.”
Other grassroots leaders who defected said the government’s delivery of development projects in the Elgon sub-region — from new seed secondary schools to road construction and women emancipation programs — had convinced them that the ruling party was better placed to address community needs.
Leaders praise government’s delivery
Welcoming the defectors, the NRM Women MP Flag Bearer, Hon. Asha Nabulo Mafabi praised their courage to embrace what she called the “politics of service delivery.”
“These young leaders have realized that the NRM doesn’t just talk. It delivers. The tools given here today will help families put food on the table, educate their children, and rise from poverty. We shall continue to rally behind President Museveni to bring more programs like these to Sironko,” she said.
On her part, ONC Manager Hajjat Namyalo commended the new converts for making what she described as a “wise and timely decision,” warning the community against opposition leaders who, she argued, thrive on propaganda.
“You cannot expect someone who spends every day abusing government to lobby for your roads, schools, or hospitals. Their job is to tarnish, not to build. But you, the ordinary people, lose out when you follow them. The NRM is giving you real support — use it and prosper,” Namyalo told the cheering crowd.
Mr. Abdallah Diffe, NRM Chairperson for Sironko Town Council, said the defections were proof that opposition parties had “run out of ideas.”
“Opposition leaders have lost touch with the ordinary Ugandan. They think politics is about shouting in Kampala, but here in the villages, we want tractors, roads, electricity, and jobs. The people have seen the difference, and that is why they are joining NRM,” he noted.
Defections energize NRM in Elgon
The mass defections, which came during the climax of a day-long empowerment outreach that saw thousands of residents receive start-up tools like welding machines, popcorn makers, and sewing machines, have re-energized the ruling party’s support base in the Elgon sub-region.
Budadiri West NRM flag bearer, Kidasi Masaba Isaac, said the new converts would add “fresh energy” to the ruling party’s grassroots mobilization efforts.
“These are not small names in local politics. They are respected youth leaders, councilors, and opinion leaders who know the ground. Their decision to join us means NRM’s support is only growing stronger,” he remarked.
By evening, Sironko had transformed into a hub of celebration, with jubilant supporters waving NRM flags and local artists electrifying the crowd. For the new converts, however, the day marked not just a political shift but also a promise of economic empowerment under the government’s wealth creation campaign.
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