Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has welcomed Osbert Kato, a former opposition candidate, into the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Osbert Kato - no relation to Ashburg Kato who also once defected from People Power to NRM - had initially sought to contest the Ruhinda North parliamentary seat on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, potentially challenging Tayebwa.
“Kato Osbert is a bright young man whose family has been close to me for some time, and I'm sure he will add value to our mobilization efforts for NRM and President Museveni,” Tayebwa said in a statement.
Kato’s decision to join the NRM comes after he was reportedly blocked from contesting in Ruhinda North due to issues with his nomination papers.
Kato disputed the Electoral Commission’s decision, alleging electoral exclusion.
Tayebwa, who was nominated unopposed for the Ruhinda North seat, welcomed Kato’s move, noting it would strengthen the party’s mobilization in the constituency.
A vocal supporter of President Museveni, Tayebwa has been instrumental in NRM’s electoral campaigns.
Political analysts say Kato's switch is a significant boost for the NRM, which has faced growing competition from opposition parties, particularly in western Uganda.
This development underscores the fluidity of Ugandan politics, where party affiliations can shift rapidly.
Tayebwa’s statement signals the NRM’s openness to incorporating former opposition members to solidify its position ahead of the 2026 elections.