The National Unity Platform (NUP) on Wednesday registered a significant political milestone as it welcomed seven Members of Parliament who officially defected from other political parties in a ceremony held at its headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala.
The event, marked by pomp and tight security, was presided over by NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. The influx of sitting legislators signals a growing shift within Uganda’s opposition circles and further cements NUP’s status as the dominant opposition force ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Among the new entrants are Dr. Timothy Batuwa (Jinja South West) and David Isabirye Aga (Jinja North), both formerly affiliated with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The Democratic Party (DP) also saw three of its legislators — Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera Woman MP), John Paul Mpalanyi (Kyotera County), and Lutamaguzi Ssemakula (Nakaseke South) — cross over to NUP.
They were joined by Joan Namutaawe, Woman MP for Masaka District, and Patrick Nsanja, MP for Ntenjeru South, who was previously serving as an Independent. The move highlights the continued fragmentation and internal dissatisfaction within some of Uganda’s oldest political formations.
In his address, Bobi Wine praised the defectors for what he described as a bold and timely decision to align with “the people’s struggle.”
“These leaders have chosen to be on the right side of history,” Kyagulanyi said. “They have heard the voice of the people calling for unity, integrity, and a renewed commitment to change. NUP is a home for all who believe in democratic transformation.”
The ceremony also saw the unveiling of high-profile new entrants, including former NBS Television news anchor Zambali Bulasio Mukasa, who is set to contest for the Nansana Municipality parliamentary seat on the NUP ticket. His move from media to politics was widely anticipated and adds another influential voice to the party’s growing ranks.
The event attracted dozens of local leaders from various districts, particularly at the sub-county and municipal levels, many of whom publicly declared their support for NUP and vowed to mobilize for the party ahead of the 2026 elections.
Security was notably heightened around the party headquarters, with uniformed personnel and plainclothes security operatives deployed throughout the day. While authorities claimed the presence was precautionary, NUP officials described it as part of ongoing attempts to intimidate opposition voices.
The National Unity Platform, which emerged from the little-known National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party (NURP), was rebranded in 2020 when Kyagulanyi merged his People Power movement into its ranks. Since then, NUP has transformed into a formidable political force, winning 56 parliamentary seats in the 2021 elections and overtaking the FDC as Uganda’s largest opposition party.
The party has continued to grow its base, particularly among urban voters and the youth, driven by its message of social justice, anti-corruption, and democratic reform.
Political analysts say the latest wave of defections is a sign of growing consolidation within the opposition around Kyagulanyi’s leadership.
“This is not just about individual defections,” said political analyst Dr. Sarah Musoke. “It reflects the broader crisis of credibility facing traditional parties like FDC and DP. NUP appears more coherent and is capitalizing on that disarray.”
The new members echoed these sentiments, with several citing lack of transparency, internal bickering, and strategic drift in their former parties as reasons for joining NUP.
Wednesday’s ceremony also served as a platform for NUP to renew its calls for the release of political prisoners — a core issue for the party since the 2021 elections. Party leaders accused the state of continuing to hold dozens of NUP supporters without trial.
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