Top NRM Leaders, Independent MPs-Elect Pledge Support to Ruling Party.

By Peterson Hiirya.

Four newly elected independent Members of Parliament have formally declared their support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), strengthening the party’s position ahead of the 12th Parliament.

The MPs-elect—Dr. Charles Ngabirano (Rwampara East), Patrick Ochan (Apac Municipality), Teopista Acamfua (Zombo District Woman MP), and Bernard Mutebi Mugoya (Bulamogi County, Kaliro District)—were received at the NRM headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday.

They were welcomed by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, and the NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong.

Among conveyed greetings from the NRM National Chairman and President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and reiterated the party’s openness to leaders aligned with its vision.

“In our culture, a home that has visitors all the time is a successful home. The NRM remains open to leaders who believe in its vision and programs,” Among said, noting that of the 67 independent MPs elected in the 2026 polls, 55 are NRM-leaning.

During the event, Among also introduced Counsel Yusuf Nsibambi, formerly a senior leader in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who officially joined the NRM.

Nsibambi previously served as the FDC’s legal counsel and vice chairperson for the Central Region. Despite losing his parliamentary bid in Mawokota, he publicly described the recent elections as free and fair—an action. Among commended as a demonstration of integrity.

Nsibambi said his decision to join the ruling party followed his experience in Parliament and his appreciation of government programs focused on service delivery and socio-economic transformation.

The four MPs-elect explained that their independent bids stemmed from disputes during the July 2025 NRM primaries but emphasized that they have consistently identified with the party’s ideology.

Dr. Ngabirano said he remained an NRM member at heart and only contested as an independent after disagreements in the party primaries. He pledged to support Speaker Among in the 12th Parliament and advance development initiatives in Rwampara East, where he previously served in the 10th Parliament.

Acamfua stated that she opted for an independent ticket after failing to secure what she termed justice from the party tribunal. She revealed that Zombo District delivered 86.5 percent of the presidential vote to Museveni and declared, “I am not independent. I am NRM, and I am back to my father’s house.”

Mutebi Mugoya similarly cited unresolved primary disputes but said he returned to voters and secured victory by a wide margin. He expressed readiness to formalize cooperation with the NRM through a memorandum of understanding.

Ochan, who was re-elected in Apac Municipality as an independent after previously contesting on a UPC ticket, also pledged to work with the ruling party in the upcoming Parliament.

NRM Secretary General Todwong described the development as consistent with the party’s tradition of reconciliation and inclusivity.

He emphasized the NRM’s focus on infrastructure, peace and security, education, health, and household income enhancement, attributing its electoral performance to grassroots mobilization structures from the village to the national level.

Todwong further revealed that the NRM Central Executive Committee has resolved to support Among and Thomas Tayebwa for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, with a formal presentation to the parliamentary caucus expected in due course.

Several NRM legislators attended the event, welcoming the new entrants and expressing confidence in party unity ahead of the new parliamentary term