Yusuf Nsibambi Defects from Forum for Democratic Change to National Resistance Movement

Outgoing Mawokota South Member of Parliament Yusuf Nsibambi has officially crossed from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), marking a significant political shift ahead of the 2026–2031 term.

Nsibambi announced his defection on Wednesday at the NRM headquarters, where he said he would return his FDC membership card to the party secretariat. He described his decision as part of “the struggle for peace,” arguing that growing polarization within opposition politics had left him frustrated.

A seasoned lawyer and long-time opposition figure, Nsibambi previously served as FDC’s Parliamentary Whip and Shadow Minister for Works and Transport. He was also among the party’s key legal strategists, playing a prominent role in court actions filed under the leadership of Kizza Besigye.

Speaking at the event, Nsibambi said opposition efforts in Parliament often failed to influence legislation meaningfully, citing debates such as those on the Coffee Bill as examples of limited impact.

“I am tired of politics of telling people ‘Vimba vimba’ and they ‘Kuvimba,’ ‘nyiga nyiga’ and they ‘kunyiga,’” he said, using a popular local idiom to express his dissatisfaction with confrontational tactics he believes yielded few tangible results.

Received at NRM Secretariat

Nsibambi was received by the Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, and NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, signaling what observers describe as a coordinated political realignment.

He was accompanied by several politicians, including Charles Ngabirano, Rwampara East MP; Topista Acamfua, Zombo District Woman MP; Mutebi Mugoya, MP-elect; David Okwere Beecham, Ibanda District Woman MP-elect; and Muhammad Ssentayi Muyanja, Bukoto West MP, among others.

Political Background and Recent Controversy

Born on April 4, 1965, in Kalagala village, Nkozi, Mawokota, Nsibambi built his reputation as a vocal government critic during his years in opposition. However, he lost the Mawokota South seat in the January 15, 2026 general elections to NRM’s Suzan Nakawuki.

Following his defeat, Nsibambi faced criticism from some constituents after withdrawing personal development initiatives, including disconnecting a community electricity transformer he had installed. He defended the move as a response to what he termed voter ingratitude.

In recent months, he also held meetings with President Yoweri Museveni on national dialogue efforts aimed at easing political tensions and addressing concerns such as tribalism and political imprisonment. Those engagements drew mixed reactions within opposition ranks.

A Broader Realignment

Nsibambi’s defection comes amid reports of wider political shifts, with several opposition figures joining the NRM ahead of the new parliamentary term. NRM leaders have framed the moves as strengthening national unity and advancing development goals.

In his remarks at the party headquarters, Nsibambi said his experience on both sides of Uganda’s political divide could help foster dialogue and contribute to what he described as “a peaceful, stable and inclusive political environment.”