Fifty-five opposition politicians and supporters from Mityana District have joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). The group, led by former Mityana District LC5 Chairperson Patrick Mugisha Nshiimye, was officially received at the NRM party headquarters in Kampala by the party's Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, and the National Treasurer, Hon. Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo. The delegation comprised political leaders, councillors, and grassroots supporters, including Mityana North Member of Parliament, Hon. Muhammad Kibedi Nsegumire.
The new members' arrival marks a change in their political affiliations, with the group pledging to work with the ruling party and participate in its activities in Mityana District. Todwong welcomed the new members, urging them to embrace responsible politics and focus on addressing the challenges affecting citizens rather than creating divisions along political lines. He emphasised that democratic participation should prioritize the country's development and promote peaceful coexistence.
Todwong highlighted that peace, security, development, and poverty reduction are national priorities that transcend political affiliations. He challenged the new members to use their political experience and grassroots networks to mobilize communities around economic transformation, particularly by encouraging households to take advantage of government programs designed to improve incomes. He specifically mentioned initiatives such as Emyooga and youth-focused economic programs.
According to Todwong, Uganda's economic transformation requires cooperation among farmers, traders, manufacturers, and consumers, whose activities are interconnected. He added that political leaders should use their influence to promote economic cooperation and help communities identify practical solutions to poverty instead of engaging in politics that fuels social divisions.
Nekesa Oundo also welcomed the defectors, urging them to focus on economic mobilization, wealth creation, and national unity. She outlined three key responsibilities for the new members, including helping communities distinguish between development and wealth creation, popularizing the NRM's economic models, and promoting unity among residents.
Nekesa Oundo emphasized that the NRM's guiding philosophy remains centered on peace, unity, and development, urging the new members to translate these principles into practical action within their communities. She challenged the defectors to become active participants in economic mobilization, particularly by sensitizing residents about government initiatives and the opportunities available to households, young people, and other sections of society.
The defection marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Mityana District, with the NRM gaining a substantial number of opposition politicians and supporters. Speaking on behalf of the 55 new members, Mugisha thanked the NRM leadership for welcoming them into the party, expressing confidence in the guidance and experience of its senior leaders as they embarked on their new political journey.
Key points
- The 55 opposition politicians and supporters from Mityana District have joined the NRM, led by former Mityana District LC5 Chairperson Patrick Mugisha Nshiimye.
- The new members have pledged to work with the ruling party and participate in its activities in Mityana District.
- Todwong and Nekesa Oundo have urged the new members to focus on economic mobilization, wealth creation, and national unity.
