In a recent development, Latif Ssebagala, a former member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has announced that he has quit the party and officially joined the NRM. Ssebagala's defection is seen as a significant blow to the opposition, which has been plagued by internal divisions and poor performance in recent elections. Ssebagala's move follows in the footsteps of other opposition members who have defected to the NRM in recent times.
Another opposition politician, Samuel Odonga Otto, a former member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and former MP for Aruu County, is also rumored to be on the verge of joining the NRM. Odonga Otto recently attended the launch of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's Patriotic League of Uganda's (PLU) endorsement bash, sparking speculation about his intentions. When asked about his plans, Odonga Otto hinted that he would reveal his next course of action soon.
The opposition parties in Uganda have been characterized by internal divisions, leading to total fallouts and the formation of new parties. The FDC was the first to fall apart, with a section led by Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago breaking away and forming the People's Front for Freedom (PFF). Similarly, the NUP suffered a sharp divide, leading to a poor performance in the 2026 General Elections.
The internal divisions within the opposition parties have led to most of them decamping to the NRM. Many opposition members feel that they were duped by their leaders, who had assured them of a quick and decisive victory. With the opposition leaders, including Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi, failing to dislodge President Museveni from power, many are losing hope.
President Museveni's grand ambition of extinguishing the opposition seems to be a reality. The opposition parties, including NUP, UPC, DP, and FDC, are crumbling, and it is unclear what will remain of them by 2031, when the next general elections will be held. The NRM, on the other hand, looks headed to a very easy victory, whether President Museveni or General Muhoozi Kainerugaba runs as presidential candidate.
The extreme views and rhetoric employed by some opposition leaders have been blamed for the current state of the opposition. The "us versus them" battle frame has broken down social cohesion, increased intolerance, and turned communities against each other. This approach has ultimately led to the opposition's downfall and the NRM's gain.
As the opposition continues to crumble, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Uganda's politics. With many opposition members defecting to the NRM, the ruling party is likely to maintain its grip on power. The opposition, on the other hand, will have to regroup and re-strategize if it hopes to pose a challenge to the NRM in the future.
Key points
- Several opposition members are defecting to the ruling NRM party in Uganda, citing internal divisions and lack of hope in removing the NRM from power.
- The opposition parties in Uganda have been plagued by internal divisions, leading to total fallouts and the formation of new parties.
- President Museveni's grand ambition of extinguishing the opposition seems to be a reality, with the NRM likely to maintain its grip on power.
