The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong received a group of senior former opposition leaders who crossed to the ruling party in Amolatar District.
The group comprised former members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).
Todwong arrived in Amolatar on Saturday afternoon, where he was received by NRM District Chairperson Olwit Kamilo and Resident District Commissioner Francis Rwotlonyo, alongside members of the district party leadership.
He later formally welcomed the former opposition members into the NRM, describing the movement as a political organisation that had historically incorporated people from different political backgrounds.
The group was led by Okot P. Bitek, former Kyoga County Member of Parliament in the 11th Parliament and former FDC Legal Secretary.
Todwong noted that political opponents could eventually become allies when they came together to pursue national development.
He urged Bitek to use his political experience and skills to contribute to the development of the people of Amolatar, saying leadership had to evolve alongside the changing needs of society.
Bitek was the principal figure in the group that crossed to the NRM, bringing several former opposition leaders into the ruling party in Amolatar.
The development marked another instance of former opposition figures joining the NRM as the party continued to mobilise support ahead of the 2026 general elections.