Africa-Press – Uganda. Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has welcomed prominent former opposition figures from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) into the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), signalling major political shifts in the Busoga sub-region.
While campaigning in Bugiri District for the Central Executive Committee position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) of the NRM, Speaker Among introduced former FDC strong woman Eunice Namatende to the delegates.
She participated in the internal party structures elections and was elected district secretary.
Namatende, who has long vied for political office under the FDC banner, has now fully aligned with the NRM—a move Among attributed to longstanding political mentorship and recent persuasive dialogue.
“I was with Eunice in FDC and mentored her. I am happy that when I asked her to join NRM, she listened,” Among told NRM delegates from Bugiri, Namayingo, Namutumba, and Mayuge districts. Addressing the gathering while on her knees, she implored the people of Bugiri to offer Namatende the opportunity to serve under her new political home.
Namatende has previously contested for various parliamentary positions in Bugiri, including against political heavyweights like Kasule Lumumba (2011), Agnes Taaka (2016), and Asuman Basalirwa (2018). Now aligned with Commissioner of Parliament Solomon Silwanyi’s camp, she is gearing up for another run for Bugiri Woman MP in 2026—a race many analysts believe she is poised to win given the shifting political tides in Bugiri.
The incumbent member of Parliament Agnes Taaka aligns with Justine Kasule Lumumba camp which is struggling considering their camp’s performance in the recently conducted Party elections.
In a similar development, veteran journalist and former vocal opposition figure Simon Muyanga Lutaaya has officially crossed over to the NRM. Speaking during another campaign stop in Iganga District—where Among met NRM delegates from Luuka, Iganga, Jinja, Bugweri, and Kaliro—the Speaker welcomed Muyanga with open arms, handing him the party’s signature yellow T-shirt to the cheers of enthusiastic supporters.
Muyanga, who was recently elected under the NRM Workers League in Kaliro District, cited Among’s leadership as a major influence in his decision to ditch decades of opposition politics.
“I have watched and listened carefully. Rt. Hon. Among has not only changed the face of Parliament but brought a refreshing sense of purpose and direction in this country,” Muyanga declared.
Once a close confidant of opposition icon Dr. Kizza Besigye and a staunch FDC loyalist, Muyanga’s defection has stunned political observers and constituents alike.
He previously contested twice for the Bulamogi parliamentary seat in Kaliro under the FDC ticket and was widely known for his fiery anti-government commentary.
Speaker Among praised his courage and extended an olive branch to others in the opposition, urging a spirit of unity.
“We are not enemies in politics. When hearts are opened to truth and service, even the strongest critics can become great allies,” she said.
The defection of both Namatende and Muyanga is seen as a significant boost to NRM’s growing influence in Busoga, a region traditionally seen as an opposition stronghold.
Analysts believe these high-profile realignments may significantly tilt the region’s political dynamics in favor of the ruling party heading into 2026.
As Among intensifies her campaign for a top CEC position within the NRM, her role in orchestrating these defections is being viewed as a testament to her growing political clout and her appeal across traditional partisan lines.
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