Fifty-five (55) opposition members from Mityana District have joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after crossing from various political parties such as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The new members were received at the NRM party headquarters in Kampala by the Party Secretary General, Rt Hon Richard Todwong, and the National Treasurer, Amb Barbara Oundo Nekesa.
The group was led by former Mityana District LC5 Chairperson Patrick Mugisha Nshiimye, alongside other political leaders, councillors and supporters. They were also joined by Mityana North Member of Parliament Hon. Muhamad Kibedi Nsegumire.
Welcoming the group, Todwong said their decision to join the NRM should be accompanied by an understanding of the principles and responsibilities that come with democratic politics.
"We must understand what democracy is and what good politics means. Bad politics is politics that creates hatred among our people. Good politics is about identifying the issues that affect all of us and working together to address them," he said.
Todwong noted that peace, security, development and poverty reduction remain common concerns for all Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation.
"When you look at Uganda, there are certain issues that are compulsory for all of us. Whether you come from NRM, FDC, NUP or any other political organisation, we all need peace, security, development and a way of fighting poverty."
He encouraged the new members to focus on economic transformation and embrace government programmes aimed at improving household incomes and livelihoods, including Emyooga and youth-focused initiatives.
"We need to understand that our people are economically connected. The farmer needs a market, the trader needs the farmer, and the consumer needs the producer. We should therefore concentrate on what brings prosperity to our people rather than what divides them," Todwong added.
The Secretary General also promised to visit Mityana at an appropriate time to interact with the new members and the wider community.
"At an appropriate time, we will come to Mityana and meet you and the bigger audience to interact as leaders and devise ways of uplifting our people, based on increasing household incomes and promoting unity among the different people in society," he pledged.
Addressing the new members, Amb Barbara Nekesa said joining the NRM comes with responsibilities beyond simply acquiring party membership.
"As new people who have come on board, there are three things I want you to focus on. First, help our people understand the difference between development and wealth creation. Secondly, popularise and mobilise our people to embrace the key economic models of the NRM. And thirdly, promote unity," she said.
She reminded them that the NRM philosophy remains anchored on peace, unity and development.
"The NRM philosophy has never changed. It has always been anchored around three areas: peace, unity and development. Your responsibility is to promote unity, ensure there is peace and work with our people for development."
Nekesa further challenged the new members to take the message of economic transformation to their respective communities.
"The NRM government has been around for the last 40 years, and our progress is steadfast. Your role now is to help us mobilise our people and make them understand the economic opportunities available to them."
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Mugisha thanked the NRM leadership for the warm reception and asked senior party leaders to guide them as they begin their new political journey.
"To the senior leaders, we ask you to guide us. We need your guidance and knowledge as we start this journey, because our desire is to serve our people and contribute to the future of our country," Mugisha said.
He added: "We are available and ready to work for our people and for the future of our country, Uganda."
Hon. Kibedi reflected on the political journey of some of the members and the support they had received from leaders and grassroots structures. He welcomed the new members and emphasised the importance of continued engagement, collaboration and maintaining a strong connection with the communities they seek to serve.
The 55 new members expressed readiness to participate in party activities and contribute to the party's work in Mityana.