The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially welcomed seven Members of Parliament who have defected from other parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP), and the independent ranks.
The new members were unveiled in a spirited ceremony held at the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala, on Tuesday, attended by party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), party officials, and hundreds of jubilant supporters.
The defectors include:
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Dr. Timothy Batuwa – MP, Jinja South West (formerly FDC)
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David Isabirye Aga – MP, Jinja North (formerly FDC)
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Fortunate Nantongo – Woman MP, Kyotera District (formerly DP)
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John Paul Mpalanyi – MP, Kyotera County (formerly DP)
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Lutamaguzi Ssemakula – MP, Nakaseke South (formerly DP)
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Joan Namutaawe – Woman MP, Masaka District (formerly Independent)
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Patrick Nsanja – MP, Ntenjeru South (formerly Independent)
Additionally, Zambali Bulasio Mukasa, a former anchor for NBS TV’s “Amassengejje” news bulletin, also joined the party, announcing his intention to contest for the Nansana Municipality seat under the NUP ticket in 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bobi Wine welcomed the new members, calling their decision “a bold and timely choice” in the fight against injustice and misrule in Uganda.
“This is not just about changing political colors. This is about standing with the people who demand accountability, dignity, and a better future. These leaders have chosen to stand on the right side of history,” Kyagulanyi said.
The NUP president emphasized the need for unity among opposition figures and reiterated the party’s goal of unseating President Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the upcoming elections.
The ceremony was held under tight security, with police and other security personnel stationed around the NUP offices—a reminder of the continued government scrutiny of opposition gatherings. Despite this, the mood at Makerere Kavule remained jubilant, with party flags flying and supporters chanting slogans of change.
Dozens of local leaders from sub-county and municipal levels also used the occasion to publicly declare their allegiance to NUP, handing over their previous party symbols in exchange for red NUP berets and flags.
Analysts view the mass defection as a strategic victory for NUP, which has in recent years rapidly replaced FDC as the dominant opposition party. After its landmark performance in the 2021 elections, where it won 56 parliamentary seats, NUP continues to position itself as the most viable political alternative in Uganda.
The party’s appeal, especially among young voters and urban populations, has been fueled by its outspoken stance on human rights, corruption, and political reform.
Dr. Batuwa, one of the defectors, cited frustration with internal divisions in FDC and what he called the party’s “loss of moral direction” as his reason for joining NUP.
“This is not defection for convenience. It is a step towards aligning with a people-centered movement that reflects our true aspirations,” he said.
With these high-profile defections, NUP has not only expanded its parliamentary influence but also gained a stronger presence in critical regions like Busoga, Buganda, and Greater Masaka, where voter turnout and engagement will be crucial in 2026.
The move places additional pressure on other opposition parties, particularly the DP and FDC, to redefine their strategies or risk further attrition.
