The leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has said the crossover of FDC vice chairperson for Central Region and Mawokota South MP, Yusuf Nsibambi, to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has removed the “pretense” surrounding his political intentions.
Nsibambi, on Wednesday officially announced joining the NRM after many years in the opposition, a decision he said was driven by “a lack of clear direction and coordination within the opposition.”
He was officially received by NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, alongside Secretary General Richard Todwong.
Speaking to journalists, Ssenyonyi described Nsibambi's move as a personal choice and welcomed Nsibambi’s openness.
“We have seen that crossover, that announcement made by Yusuf Nsibambi. He decided to start his fasting season, the Ramadan season, by crossing over to the NRM. That’s his right. And what we have been saying is that it’s good that he is now forthright about his intentions. Because the past few days, he’s been pretentious about the situation.”
" It’s probably you have some debts to take care of. It’s probably you need a job here and there. Minister of State, RDC, whatever the case might be. Come clean about your intentions. Others have done so,” he said.
He argued that the crossover would not weaken the opposition, pointing out that citizens’ challenges remain unchanged.
“Just because one individual has crossed and joined Mr Museveni, poverty remains, poor service delivery remains, corruption remains, bad governance and so on. These are the issues that the people of Uganda are concerned about,” Ssenyonyi said.
On Nsibambi’s motivations, Ssenyonyi noted that What is imperative is that now the 'pretense' has gone away.
"We wish him well where he has gone. To protect his gains – he was chairman of Kampala District Land Board and attained 140 titles within central Kampala. Clearly, he has what to protect. I guess that’s why he has joined the team that he has joined.”