Entebbe, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with a delegation of opposition Members of Parliament at State House Entebbe, focusing on national stability, reconciliation and the political fallout from the January 2026 general elections.
The delegation was led by Hon Yusuf Nsibambi, the Mawokota South MP (FDC), who said the talks were aimed at easing political tensions following a highly charged election season.
“The meeting was about peace and reconciliation for the development and stability of the country, especially after the general elections that left some people’s tempers high,” Nsibambi said in an interview with local television.
Nsibambi revealed that the fate of hundreds of political detainees featured prominently during the discussions, with opposition MPs urging the President to consider granting clemency.
“The issue of political prisoners was first on the agenda, and we asked the President to consider granting them a pardon,” he said.
The MPs also raised concerns over the incarceration of Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the Butambala County MP, calling for an independent and comprehensive inquiry into his case.
“We asked the President to have a proper inquest into Kivumbi’s case and not to rely on the existing propaganda,” Nsibambi added.
The FDC legislator defended his decision to engage President Museveni amid criticism from some opposition circles, insisting that he acted independently and in the national interest.
“No one sent me to the opposition. I am an elected MP, and I will engage with whoever I deem necessary for the good of my constituents and the country,” he said.
He argued that dialogue, even with political opponents, remains essential for national cohesion and stability.
Other opposition legislators present at the meeting included Okot Bitek of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), former Kasese Municipality MP Robert Centenary, Moses Kabusu of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Roland Ndyomugyenyi, and former Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebagala.
Also in attendance were Fred Kayondo of the Democratic Party (DP), Richard Lumu (DP), and other opposition figures.
The meeting comes amid ongoing calls from civil society, religious leaders and regional actors for inclusive dialogue to stabilise the political environment following the 2026 elections, which were marked by arrests, protests and allegations of rights abuses.
While State House did not issue an official statement on the meeting, opposition MPs described the engagement as part of broader efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote reconciliation.
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