Africa-Press – Uganda. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has dismissed concerns that the defection of its former Chief Whip in Parliament, Yusuf Nsibambi, to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will weaken the opposition, describing the move as disappointing but not surprising.
FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi said the party had noted “uncomfortable tendencies” in Nsibambi’s behaviour since last year, but what shocked leadership was his public criticism of FDC, including claims that the party weakened after the departure of former Deputy Treasurer General Anita Among.
“His remarks were exaggerated and politically motivated,” Amuriat said, dismissing the criticism.
The FDC president also revealed that Nsibambi was facing disciplinary action for allegedly meeting President Museveni at State House without authorisation, violating Article 12 of the FDC constitution.
A disciplinary committee meeting had been scheduled, but with Nsibambi now in NRM, the matter falls under his new party.
Amuriat drew parallels to previous departures of key leaders, including the late Ria Katigaya, Betty Kamya, Maj Gen (Rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu, Ibrahim Semujju Nganda, and Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago, noting that none of these exits destabilised FDC.
Adeke Poised to Take Over Chief Whip Role
FDC is already consulting on filling the Chief Whip vacancy, with Anna Adeke Ebaju, Soroti District Woman MP, emerging as the front-runner. Amuriat stressed that Parliament remains in session until May, allowing the party to appoint a replacement immediately.
“While we acknowledge Nsibambi’s contributions in Parliament, he is replaceable, and FDC will move on,” Amuriat said, adding that the party will focus on recruiting ideologically committed members and vetting future leaders for consistency.
Nsibambi officially joined NRM on Wednesday, accompanied to party headquarters in Kampala by First Vice Chairperson Anita Among. Dressed in yellow, he declared his readiness to serve the ruling party.
“I am ready to join the struggle for peace. I am ready to be given any task to serve our people,” Nsibambi said, following a high-profile meeting with President Museveni last week that hinted at his political shift.
