National • 31 December 2025

Uganda: Nup Members Who Defected to NRM Make Swift U-Turn After 'Empty Promises' in Mubende

Tension and confusion marked a political gathering in Mubende Municipality after members of the National Unity Platform who had earlier defected to the National Resistance Movement made an abrupt return to NUP, citing what they described as empty promises from government officials.

The group, numbering more than 150 people, had pledged allegiance to NRM in the presence of the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara.

However, shortly after the minister left the venue, the defectors began chanting NUP slogans, removing NRM T-shirts and declaring renewed loyalty to NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi.

The event had been officiated by the Mubende Assistant Resident District Commissioner in charge of Kassambya Constituency, Andrew Solomon Musiindi, who formally introduced the defectors to the minister.

"I am glad that you have decided to make this decision of joining NRM, and I want to introduce you to the minister who has come on behalf of the President," Musiindi said.

Before the minister addressed the gathering, some individuals publicly stated that they were former NUP supporters who had decided to cross to NRM.

"I am glad to see you all, and I am happy that today I have come here to join NRM because I have been an NRM supporter," said Robert Asaba Aheebwa.

Aheebwa was joined by Santos, a ghetto youth leader in Mubende Municipality, who appealed to the minister to address challenges affecting unemployed youths.

"We support Bobi Wine because many ghetto youths are unemployed. If the government works on our challenges, I am here to inform you that all ghetto youths will support President Museveni," Santos said.

In his remarks, Minister Barugahara welcomed the group and congratulated them for joining the ruling party.

"I want to congratulate you for having seen the light and decided to join the National Resistance Movement," the minister said.

He promised to present their concerns to President Museveni, saying arrangements would be made for the group to meet him ahead of the 2026 general elections.

"I have heard that you are 150 people, and I will ensure that the President meets you before the 2026 general elections and that your challenges are addressed," Barugahara said.

The minister also urged them to mobilise votes for President Museveni and cautioned against being misled by opposition figures.

"Please do not be misled by those in red attire. Go out and mobilise votes for President Museveni," he said.

However, immediately after the minister's departure, the atmosphere shifted. The group began chanting NUP slogans and openly renounced their defection to NRM.

When asked why they had changed their position, several members said they had been promised money and food but received nothing.

"They promised us money, but the minister left without giving us anything. We are now going back to our party, NUP," said Aheebwa.

Joel Opadit, another NUP supporter who said he had mobilised ghetto youths to attend the event, also criticised the ruling party, accusing it of exaggerating numbers and making false promises.

"I mobilised 60 members, but the numbers were exaggerated to 200. Unfortunately, none of us was given even a single coin. We are still NUP members, and we are going to vote for Bobi Wine in the 2026 elections," Opadit said.

The incident highlights growing political tension in Mubende as parties intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2026 general elections.