NUP Members Who Defected to NRM Make Swift U-Turn After ‘Empty Promises’ in Mubende

Drama unfolded in Mubende Municipality on Tuesday after more than 150 supporters who had publicly defected from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) abruptly reversed their decision, accusing government representatives of making unfulfilled promises.

The incident occurred during a political gathering attended by the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Mr Balaam Barugahara, where the group had pledged allegiance to the NRM. The event was officiated by the Mubende Assistant Resident District Commissioner in charge of Kassambya Constituency, Mr Andrew Solomon Musiindi, who formally introduced the defectors to the minister.

“I am glad that you have decided to make this decision of joining NRM, and I want to introduce you to the minister who has come on behalf of the President,” Musiindi said while addressing the gathering.

Several individuals took turns declaring their defection from NUP. One of them, Robert Asaba Aheebwa, publicly announced his decision to join the ruling party.

“I am glad to see you all, and I am happy that today I have come here to join NRM,” Aheebwa said.

Santos, a ghetto youth leader in Mubende Municipality, appealed to the minister to address the challenges of unemployment among young people.

“We support Bobi Wine because many ghetto youths are unemployed. If the government works on our challenges, all ghetto youths will support President Museveni,” Santos said.

In his remarks, Minister Barugahara welcomed the group and congratulated them for joining the NRM, promising to present their concerns to President Yoweri Museveni.

“I want to congratulate you for having seen the light and decided to join the National Resistance Movement,” Barugahara said. “I have heard that you are 150 people, and I will ensure that the President meets you before the 2026 general elections and that your challenges are addressed.”

He further urged them to mobilise votes for President Museveni and cautioned them against opposition politicians.

However, shortly after the minister left the venue, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The group began chanting NUP slogans, removed NRM T-shirts and openly declared renewed loyalty to NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

When questioned about the sudden change of heart, several members said they had been promised money and food, which they claimed was never delivered.

“They promised us money, but the minister left without giving us anything. We are now going back to our party, NUP,” Aheebwa said.

Another NUP supporter, Joel Opadit, who said he mobilised youths from the ghetto to attend the event, accused the ruling party of exaggerating the number of defectors and misleading the public.

“I mobilised 60 members, but the numbers were exaggerated to 200. Unfortunately, none of us was given even a single coin,” Opadit said. “We are still NUP members, and we are going to vote for Bobi Wine in the 2026 elections.”

The incident underscores rising political tension in Mubende Municipality as political parties intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2026 general elections, with allegations of inducements and counter-accusations increasingly shaping campaign narratives.