By The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Richard Todwong, on Sunday officially received hundreds of former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who defected to the ruling party, hailing their move as “a return home.”
Speaking at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, Todwong expressed delight at the youthful crowd, promising them support, mentorship, and opportunities for growth under the NRM.
“We have shared with you, you are full of life and vibe. We love you so much. We have been missing you. Where have you been? The NRM is a party for young people. All of you here were produced during NRM time, and we are committed to ensuring you live a full life,” Todwong told the defectors amid cheers.
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He urged the group to embrace what he described as “good politics” that fosters unity and teamwork, in contrast to “bad politics” which breeds division and resentment. “Because you are because I am, and since I am, therefore you are. When I develop, you should develop,” he said.
Todwong pledged that the party would support the defectors’ talents, businesses, and innovations, and invited them to participate in upcoming party activities, including President Yoweri Museveni’s nomination on Tuesday. “I will present you officially to the President. Then on Wednesday, I want to sit with your leaders and plan how to support you,” he added.
He also appealed to the newcomers to bring along more of their colleagues still in opposition. “For those of your friends who are still not yet here, tell them to come to NRM. Because what we are going to start with you, if they miss, they will not recover,” he warned.
Amid chants, Todwong symbolically exchanged the defectors’ red and white NUP T-shirts for the NRM’s yellow attire.
NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja-Nsereko, who once belonged to the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), welcomed the group, recalling her own journey from opposition to the ruling party. “Welcome to the winning party and to supporting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the tried and tested leader in Uganda,” she said.
Other top NRM officials present reinforced the party’s message of unity, patriotism, and economic growth. National Treasurer Barbara Oundo Nekesa emphasised the principle of socio-economic transformation, while Dr. Rosemary Seninde, Director for Mobilisation, urged the defectors to rally behind Museveni for continued development.
“Vote NRM, vote President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for continued development of our country,” Seninde said.
The event was also attended by members of the NRM Secretariat’s top leadership, including Deputy EC Chairman Fred Omach, Director for Communications Emmanuel Lumala Dombo, Director for Youth and Institutions Maj. (Rtd) Okwir Rabwoni, and EC Commissioners Driwaru Zaitun and Auma Modesta Juliana.
The defections come as the NRM intensifies mobilisation efforts ahead of Museveni’s nomination for the 2026 presidential race, rallying supporters under the banner of “good politics” and sustained national progress.
