Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has unveiled 15 parliamentary candidates from opposition parties who have defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), describing the development as part of a wider political “realignment” ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The defectors were presented to the media on Wednesday at a press conference held at the NRM headquarters at Plot 10, Kyadondo Road. Most of the new entrants crossed from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Those joining from NUP include David Okullu (Oyam North), Eric Mukomba (Butebo), Joseph Kanto Ochen (Lamwo County), Hillary Tumuhimbise (Rujumbura), Charles Odongo (Kwania North), Dennis Onyum (Kyoga County), Walter Okot (Aswa County), and Godfrey Oryem (Omoro).
From FDC, the defectors are Emmanuel Olebo (Kibale County, Pallisa), Martin Owako (Pallisa County), Yokania Mukeke (Bunyole East), Moses Balikowa (Bunya South), Yasin Mabaale (Bunyole West), and Edwin Namanya (Bushenyi–Ishaka).
Addressing journalists, Tayebwa dismissed claims that the ruling party had bribed or coerced the candidates into defecting, insisting their decision followed months of dialogue and engagement.
“We have been engaging these people for several months, and we shall continue to engage more,” Tayebwa said. “There has been a rumour that we buy people. How much would you buy these people? These are individuals we have had deeper conversations with. It is a process.”
He rejected accusations—particularly from NUP—that he has been spearheading the buying off of opposition flag bearers across the country, saying the defections were voluntary and part of normal political interaction.
“I see some people are not happy with what we are doing, and I don’t expect them to applaud us,” Tayebwa said. “We are going to have more people joining as long as we continue sweet-talking them. This is the same way many people have left NRM to join the opposition. I was once in the opposition and joined NRM. What is wrong with using our contacts to invite people to join us?”
Tayebwa emphasized that the NRM believes in persuasion and dialogue rather than intimidation, and called on political actors to stop abusing or blackmailing individuals who choose to change their political affiliation.
NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko welcomed the defectors, describing their move as patriotic and aligned with the party’s development agenda.
“We believe everyone has ideas, and the guiding principle of NRM is that everyone can contribute to the development of our country,” Namayanja said. “What these people have done by joining the progressive NRM is a desire to do good for Uganda.”
She cited her own political journey as an example, noting that she previously belonged to the Democratic Party (DP) before joining NRM through dialogue and steadily rising through the party’s ranks.
The latest defections come as political parties intensify mobilization and realignments ahead of the 2026 elections, with NRM positioning itself as an open platform for politicians from across the political divide.
