Africa-Press – Uganda. A group of 30 youth leaders from the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Ibanda District have defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), pledging to mobilize support for President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers as the general elections draw closer.
The defectors were officially received during a crossover event held at Excellis Gardens in Ibanda, where they were welcomed by NRM leaders led by the Ibanda District Vice NRM Chairperson, Dr. Innocent Atuhe.
The development comes just days after the former NUP Chairperson for Ibanda District and Woman Member of Parliament aspirant, Patricia Kenyangi, also crossed from NUP to NRM, signaling growing political realignments in the district.
Speaking on behalf of the group, NUP youth leader Sadam Mugisha said their initial decision to join NUP was largely driven by economic frustrations and unemployment, but noted that their expectations had not been met.
“We joined NUP at a time when many of us were struggling with unemployment and economic hardships, hoping that our situation would change,” Mugisha said.
“However, we have realized that the NRM offers practical solutions aimed at improving livelihoods, especially for the youth, and that is why we have decided to join and support it.”
Mugisha added that the youth are now ready to actively campaign for President Museveni and NRM candidates at all levels.
“We are committed to mobilizing our fellow youth and communities to support President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers ahead of the elections,” he said.
During the ceremony, the defectors formally surrendered their NUP party materials, including identity cards, and were issued NRM shirts, symbolizing their official entry into the ruling party.
Welcoming the new members, Dr. Innocent Atuhe commended them for what he described as a bold and timely decision.
“We thank these young leaders for giving us the opportunity to share with them the message, vision, and agenda of the NRM,” Dr. Atuhe said.
“By joining this party, they have positioned themselves to benefit from the many programs aimed at empowering the youth and improving household incomes.”
Dr. Atuhe further noted that the new members would be immediately integrated into NRM grassroots structures to strengthen mobilization efforts across the district.
“They will now work alongside other party members to mobilize support for President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers at the grassroots level,” he added.
The defections add to a growing list of political crossovers in Ibanda District as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
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