Lawyer and political activist Moses Byamugisha has described the defection of Yusuf Nsibambi—outgoing Mawokota South MP and FDC Central Region Deputy President—to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) as “disappointing but understandable,” given Uganda’s evolving political landscape.
Speaking on Next Big Talk on Next Radio, Byamugisha acknowledged Nsibambi’s contributions while noting the ongoing leadership vacuum in opposition politics, compounded by the incarceration of prominent figures such as Dr Kizza Besigye.
He stressed that individuals may switch parties, but the opposition’s spirit remains resilient.
Nsibambi, who officially joined NRM at party headquarters with Speaker Anita Among and Secretary General Richard Todwong, cited frustrations with opposition politics as his motivation.
He criticized opposition handling of parliamentary protests and the lack of internal coordination in recent years.
FDC leadership downplayed fears of destabilization. President Patrick Amuriat Oboi emphasized that while Nsibambi’s contributions were significant, he is replaceable.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi echoed that the defection “removes the pretense” but does not weaken the opposition.
Nsibambi’s move follows his defeat in the January 15, 2026, elections to NRM’s Suzan Kawuki and a recent delegation to State House, where he met President Museveni alongside other opposition figures to discuss national stability, peace, and reconciliation.
His departure adds to a growing list of former FDC members who have joined NRM, raising questions about FDC’s future amid defections to other parties such as the Alliance for National Transformation, NUP, and PFF.
