National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong has officially welcomed former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) stalwart Moses Junior Okot Bitek into the ruling party. The reception took place during a high-profile defection ceremony held at Amolatar Boma Grounds on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Todwong assured Bitek of equal rights and opportunities within the NRM, emphasizing that he would be treated with the same respect and privileges as other party members.
Addressing the gathering, Todwong urged leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents. During the event, Todwong received a memorandum addressed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, outlining key development priorities for Amolatar District. The memorandum, read by Peter Okodo, the NRM flag bearer for Kioga North, included requests for upgrading Amolatar Health Centre IV into a district hospital and tarmacking the 88-kilometre Namasale-Dokolo Road.
The leaders also called for employment opportunities for NRM cadres within party and government structures. Todwong pledged to present the requests to President Museveni and remind him of commitments made during previous campaigns. He stated that the President is committed to Amolatar and that they will ensure these promises are fulfilled.
Felix Adupa Ongwech, the NRM flag bearer for Kioga County, welcomed Bitek to the party but urged him to respect NRM discipline and support the party. Morish Ogwal Omara, the Amolatar District LCV Chairperson, appealed for the development concerns of the district to be addressed, particularly the Namasale-Dokolo Road. Ogwal noted that President Museveni had previously acknowledged the road as a commitment owed to the people of Amolatar.
RDC Francise Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo commended Bitek for joining the NRM and called for unity among party members. Dr. Agnes Atim Apea, former Woman MP for Amolatar District, expressed readiness to work with Bitek, citing his influence in political mobilisation. Peter Okodo noted that although local leaders had previously been political rivals, they were now working together.
In a related development, Todwong signed an endorsement book for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) presented by James Olobo Dubai, a former Kioga North MP aspirant and current PLU elders' mobiliser. The event also saw several members from different opposition parties officially defect to the NRM after being received by Todwong.
The defections add to the NRM's political mobilisation activities in Amolatar District as the party continues organising ahead of the 2026 elections. Todwong's move is expected to boost the party's presence in the district, with leaders pledging to work together to address the area's development concerns.
Key points
- NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong welcomes former FDC leader Moses Junior Okot Bitek to the ruling party.
- Todwong pledges support for Amolatar District's development, including upgrading the health centre and tarmacking the Namasale-Dokolo Road.
- The defections add to the NRM's political mobilisation activities in Amolatar District ahead of the 2026 elections.
