KAMPALA, UGANDA – In a significant political shift, more than 1,000 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) from Kawempe North Division have formally defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The defectors, who were previously clad in NUP attire, publicly swapped their blue shirts for the yellow of the NRM during a vibrant ceremony. The event was presided over by Faizal Ndase, the President of the Ghetto Artists (GA) Association and head of the Youth Wealth Creation initiative under the same association, who led the symbolic switching of allegiance.
"Once the elections are over, these people who have been supporting NUP are going to benefit greatly from government programs because they will be recognised for the days they have spent in NUP."
Janifar Nasimbwa, an aide to the Kawempe Resident City Commissioner (RCC), welcomed the defectors and encouraged them to leave NUP behind, highlighting the benefits they would receive under the NRM. She also explained the reasons behind their decision to abandon the opposition party.
"I welcomed these people and encouraged them to move from NUP and informed them of the good things they will get in the NRM, explaining the reasons why these people have been persuaded to leave NUP and join the NRM."
The mood was celebratory, with defectors burning their NUP membership cards as a definitive symbol of their break from the party. Organisers emphasised the timing, noting that with elections approaching, NUP is losing its support base, as evidenced by over 1,000 local leaders and vulnerable residents from Kawempe North now backing the NRM.
The Kawempe RCC, which is in charge of security matters in the area, also attended the event. He revealed plans for the defectors to meet with the President and NRM Chairman, Yoweri Museveni, when he visits Kawempe in January next year to solicit support.
Soundbite: Kawempe Resident City Commissioner (RCC)
"I am happy with what has happened here, to see the light and for them to come out of the darkness of NUP. I say it is true because there are many good things they will get, but they will start here by being recognised in the NRM."
The mass defection is seen as a major boost for the NRM's mobilisation efforts in the capital region ahead of the upcoming electoral season.
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