Kampala, Uganda | The defection of Mawokota South’s outgoing MP Yusuf Nsibambi from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has ignited a fresh national debate about the future of opposition politics, governance, and political tolerance in Uganda.
Nsibambi officially crossed to the NRM on February 18, 2026, at the party headquarters, where he was received by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong.
His move followed a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House, where discussions reportedly focused on national stability and reconciliation.
The development has since dominated political talk shows, including #NextBigTalk on Next Radio, where senior political actors reflected on the state of multiparty democracy.
Former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto delivered a blunt assessment of the FDC’s condition, remarking that the only thing left of the party is its Najjanankumbi headquarters.
However, Otto cautioned against celebrating the weakening of the opposition, arguing that a fragile opposition is unhealthy for democracy.
He stressed that Uganda needs a strong, issue-based opposition capable of providing alternatives, not one struggling for survival.
Otto revealed that one of FDC’s founders had contacted him seeking legal services to pursue court action aimed at recovering funds contributed to purchase the party’s Najjanankumbi property.
Otto further observed that Ugandans are experiencing political fatigue, saying the country has not witnessed a change of power for decades.
He emphasized that adaptability is critical in politics, noting that when the wind blows and big trees fail to bend, they eventually break.
On Nsibambi’s decision, Otto described it as a legitimate political choice, arguing that political parties should not be treated as permanent enclosures.
He added that Ugandans need broader civic education and counseling on how political systems function.
Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa echoed similar sentiments, recalling the struggle for multipartism.
He said one of the key reasons leaders fought for multiparty democracy was to guarantee freedom of association, including the freedom to join and leave political parties.
Basalirwa warned that failure to create space for dialogue and engagement domestically would drive more actors to seek intervention from the international community.
Reflecting on past discussions, he noted that in 2018 he had told President Museveni that a visit to Luzira Prison could create the impression that certain groups were disproportionately represented among inmates, raising concerns about justice and inclusion.
Kazo County MP Dan Kimosho defended Nsibambi’s decision, saying political participation is voluntary and individuals should not be vilified for changing allegiance.
He stated that if individuals can leave seminaries or careers, they can equally exit political parties. He added that the NRM does not hold grudges against those who previously disagreed with it.
Kimosho suggested that more defections may occur, arguing that Nsibambi had played a role in building opposition politics and democratic processes.
He further emphasized the need to promote human rights, warning that anyone can become a victim of political violence.
Former Jinja East MP Paul Mwiru steered the discussion toward governance, asserting that Uganda’s challenges stem largely from governance failures.
He argued that unless governance structures are strengthened, persistent problems in sectors such as health and public service delivery will remain unresolved.
Mwiru cautioned against leadership models focused on personal survival, saying national transformation should be the priority.
Within FDC, Party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi described Nsibambi’s departure as disappointing but maintained that the party would remain resilient.
He noted that Nsibambi had already been facing possible disciplinary measures over unauthorized engagements.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi said the defection clarified existing political realities but would not derail opposition objectives.
Following Nsibambi’s exit, FDC signalled that Anna Adeke would assume the Chief Whip role.
