By Angel Lubowa
KAMPALA
The National unity platform (NUP) Wednesday received
a significant political development ahead of the 2026 general elections after multiple Mps defected from other opposition parties to join it.
The major casualties were uganda’s old party DP and FDC.
During a colorful occasion held at NUP head quarter at Kavule along Bombo road near capital, Kampala, the army deployed heavily.
Regular police, military police and the army with vehicle mounted guns partially closed the road for some time as Mps were defecting.
The NUP leadership however downplayed the deployment saying it was to boost security.
During the function NUPleader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, formally welcomed the new Members of Parliament into the National Unity Platform (NUP).
At a press conference there immediately, he announced the defection of the legislators, who now join NUP’s frontline in what he described as a “revolutionary struggle.”
He said “We have been very honored to welcome into the National Unity Platform, this afternoon, Members of Parliament who have officially joined the Party”
He read out the Mps names to include Hon. Luttamaguzi Ssemakula Paulson Kasana (Nakaseke South County), Hon. Joan Namutaawe (Woman MP, Masaka District), Hon. Nsanja Patrick Kayongo (Ntenjeru South), Hon. Nantongo Fortunate (Woman MP, Kyotera District), Hon. Lukwago John Paul Mpalanyi (Kyotera County), Hon. Batuwa Timothy Lusala (Jinja Municipality West), and Hon. Isabirye David Aga (Jinja North Division). You’re very welcome to home, our Honourable comrades!”
They crossed from DP and FDC respectively with some being independents.
NUP is the major opposition party with about 57 members in the 11th parliament which is winding up as fresh elections gears up.
Recently NUP party projected an increase in it’s Mps to 100 Mps in this incoming polls although commentators faulted it for accepting early defeat since Uganda parliament members are well over 520.
Analyst’s said planning to only own 100 Mps was conceding in advance.
Bobi Wine emerged as President Museveni’s main challenger in the 2021 general elections, securing over 3.6 million votes which were equivalent to 35% of the total vote—despite what he described as widespread vote rigging and repression.
His performance marked the strongest showing ever by a Ugandan opposition candidate in a presidential election.
With the 2026 polls drawing closer, the addition of new MPs is expected to bolster NUP’s parliamentary strength and enhance its grassroots mobilization.
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