Key opposition parliamentary candidates have defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), pledging to mobilise votes for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The defectors were on Wednesday unveiled by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa at the NRM headquarters at Plot 10, Kyadondo. Tayebwa paraded 15 parliamentary candidates drawn mainly from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), describing the move as part of a wider political realignment in the country.

The former opposition figures said their decision followed sustained dialogue and conviction, and committed themselves to actively campaigning for President Museveni and the NRM in their respective constituencies.

Those who crossed from NUP include David Okullu (Oyam North), Eric Mukomba (Butebo), Joseph Kanto Ochen (Lamwo County), Hillary Tumuhimbise (Rujumbura), Charles Odongo (Kwania North), Dennis Onyum (Kyoga County), Walter Okot (Aswa County) and Godfrey Oryem (Omoro).

From FDC, the defectors are Emmanuel Olebo (Kibale County, Pallisa), Martin Owako (Pallisa County), Yokania Mukeke (Bunyole East), Moses Balikowa (Bunya South), Yasin Mabaale (Bunyole West) and Edwin Namanya (Bushenyi–Ishaka).

Addressing the media, Tayebwa dismissed claims that the defectors were bribed or coerced, saying the shift was the result of months of engagement and persuasion.

“We have been engaging these people for several months, and we shall continue to engage more,” Tayebwa said. “There is a rumour that we buy people. These are individuals with whom we have had deeper conversations. It is a process.”

He rejected accusations, particularly from NUP, that he was involved in buying off opposition candidates, insisting that the defections were voluntary and dialogue-driven.

NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko welcomed the new entrants, describing their decision as patriotic and a vote of confidence in the NRM leadership.

“When you come, we become one,” Namayanja said. “We work together not just for NRM, but for the good of the country. Your decision will help mobilise communities to support President Museveni and the NRM.”

NRM Director of Information and Publicity Emmanuel Dombo said the defections reflected the party’s openness and growing national appeal.

“There is free entry and exit in our bus,” Dombo said. “Once you join, you have equal rights and responsibilities.”