'Timely decision': NRM receives over 200 Teso opposition defectors

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With less than a week left to the start of the general elections, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has welcomed more than 200 members of the Opposition in Teso sub-region.

The majority of the defectors are from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

They were officially received by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who represented the First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataha Museveni at the National Council of Sports headquarters, Lugogo in Kampala.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa with Minister Peter Ogwang. (Photo by Alfred Atwau)

The group included former NUP chairpersons, district coordinators and key grassroots mobilisers from Teso.

Their crossing over to the NRM is seen as a huge dent to opposition mobilisation in the sub-region at a critical moment in the electoral calendar.

Jonathan Okware, who had been the NUP focal chairperson for Teso, spoke on behalf of the defectors, pledging full allegiance to the NRM. 

He assured Tayebwa that the defectors were ready to immediately embark on intensive mobilisation to secure votes for President Yoweri Museveni and NRM candidates.

“We went astray mainly because of poverty. Many of our people believed that if the opposition took power, life would immediately change. But we have realised that development comes from a stable government with a clear vision," said Okware.

He also presented a memorandum addressed to the State House, through the Deputy Speaker, outlining key socio-economic challenges affecting Teso. Among the requests is a call for government support in the form of state scholarships for school dropouts, mostly forced out of education due to poverty.

He also appealed for employment opportunities for university graduates from Teso, arguing that joblessness among educated youths was fuelling frustration and political vulnerability. 

The defectors are confident that, despite the short time left until the polls, they will play a decisive role in the elections. 

“We still have three days, and those days are enough for us to mobilise massively. We are going to deliver a landslide victory for President Museveni and the NRM in Teso," said Okware.

Sports state minister Peter Ogwang, who was the chief mobiliser of the event, hailed the defectors for their bold and timely decision. 

Minister Peter Ogwang with Jonathan Okware, who has been the chairperson of NUP in Teso. (Photo by Alfred Atwau)

He said their joining the NRM guarantees them a brighter political future, especially as the ruling party prepares for a leadership transition.

“You have made the right decision at the right time. NRM is a party with a clear ideology."

Ogwang said the ability of the NRM to renew itself internally is one of its greatest achievements, noting that the party had sustained stability and development over decades.

“We are not just clinging to power; we are preparing the next generation to lead this country.”

'Battle is over'

Although the NRM has historically dominated most parts of Teso, Opposition parties have in recent years gained ground, especially in Soroti city, Soroti district and parts of Serere district. 

In recent weeks, NUP activities had rattled areas previously considered politically safe for the ruling party. The departure of key opposition figures is therefore expected to restore NRM’s electoral advantage.

Ogwang, who represents Ngariam county (Katakwi district) in Parliament, expressed renewed confidence.

“At least now I can sleep. This battle is finally over. I can confidently assure His Excellency the President that we are winning in Teso with 99 percent. These people had become thorns in our flesh, but today they have joined us," he said.

Welcoming the new group, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

“I will ensure that this memorandum reaches the First Lady and that the issues you have raised are followed up on. NRM listens to its people, and that is why it has remained strong.”

Tayebwa highlighted government efforts to tackle unemployment, particularly among young graduates, revealing that a new support fund for fresh university graduates is included in the NRM manifesto.

"This [fund] will be implemented in the next financial year.”

He urged the defectors to mobilise peacefully and responsibly, emphasising unity and national stability as Uganda approaches polling day. 

The developments in Teso underline the fluid nature of the country’s politics and the high stakes facing both the ruling party and the opposition as voters prepare to elect their next set of leaders across the political spectrum.