By Kabuye Ronald
The Deputy Chairperson for Buganda region of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Mawokoto South Member of Parliament, Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi, has officially crossed to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The development marks a significant political shift for the opposition party, where Nsibambi has been a senior figure in the Buganda region.
In a statement posted on her X handle, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda region welcomed Nsibambi into the ruling party, saying:
“We hereby extend an official welcome to the Honourable Yusuf Nsibambi into the NRM family. We appreciate your recognition of the importance of our cause and your decision to join the movement dedicated to safeguarding and strengthening our nation’s achievements.”
Nsibambi’s move follows weeks of speculation after he was seen meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House. According to sources, the discussions reportedly touched on national dialogue and the release of political prisoners, among other governance issues.
The meeting sparked sharp reactions within the FDC, with party leaders distancing themselves from Nsibambi’s engagement with the President. FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi publicly disowned the meeting, stating that it was not sanctioned by the party and did not represent its official position.
Party insiders had earlier indicated that disciplinary measures were being considered against Nsibambi, including plans to sack him from the party over what they described as unilateral actions inconsistent with FDC’s stance.
Nsibambi’s defection is expected to further reshape the political landscape in Buganda region, where competition between the opposition and the ruling party has remained intense. Analysts say the move could strengthen NRM’s grassroots mobilization efforts in Mawokoto South, while posing fresh challenges for the FDC as it seeks to consolidate internal unity ahead of future political contests.
