FDC scoffs at Nsibambi’s crossing to NRM

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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has expressed disappointment and concern over the defection of Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Several interviewed by this reporter are questioning Nsibambi's motives, with some likening him to a historical figure who surrendered when the going got tough.

Nsibambi, a veteran lawmaker and former FDC deputy president for central region, announced his decision to join the NRM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, citing frustration with opposition politics and a desire to contribute to national development.

Appearing at the NRM party headquarters in Kyadondo, Kampala, Nsibambi said that FDC collapsed immediately after speaker Anita Among left the opposition party to join NRM.”

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among (2nd Left) and Yusuf Nsibambi (centre) flanked by NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong (Left), and Workers' MP Arinaitwe Rwakajara. (Courtesy)

Nsibambi's move comes after his defeat in the January 15, 2026, general elections, where he lost the Mawokota South parliamentary seat to NRM's Suzan Nakawuki. His move follows an engagement with the NRM second vice chairperson (female), Anita Among, who formally received and ushered him to the NRM headquarters at Kyadondo in Kampala shortly after meeting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in State House a fortnight ago.

FDC party Spokesperson, John Kikonyogo, dismissed the negative impact the defection can cause, saying that the FDC has been the only party which has stood the test of time, with its historical and senior leaders leaving without causing its collapse.

“Nsibambi’s defection is nothing to us as FDC. Even Col Dr (rtd) Kiiza Besigye left us here, and we are standing. When Ssemujju and Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, left, what happened to them, they lost. Nsibambi is a loser because FDC still stands,” he said.

Yusuf Nsibambi (Second left) with other FDC senior party officials attending a function at Najjanankumbi offices in Kampala before was approved by Parliament to become FDC chief last year. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

Nsibambi's defection comes after his defeat in the January 15, 2026, general elections, where he lost the Mawokota South parliamentary seat to NRM's Suzan Nakawuki. He had previously expressed disillusionment with the opposition's inability to effect meaningful change and had been accused of withdrawing personal development initiatives in his constituency following his electoral loss.

Nsibambi, who has been serving as the party chief whip after replacing vocalist fugitive and Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda, who formed and joined the Peoples’ Front for Freedom (PFF) last year, shocked the political scene when he single-handedly arranged an impromptu dialogue with NRM chairman and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Seasoned politician and Former leader of opposition Prof. Ogenga Latigo said that Nsibambi's defection has also sparked debate about the future of opposition politics in Uganda.

“The FDC's decline is part of a broader historical pattern due to poor leadership. Whether the party can still recover with new leadership is highly unlikely because the Najjanankumbi headquarters are just offices without FDC soul,” he said. 

More reactions from Kampala leaders

FDC chairman for Nakawa division and the National Executive Committee (NEC) member in charge of Health and Sanitation, Moses Okwera, condemned Nsibambi’s move, saying that it was out of greed and frustration after losing the MP seat.

“Why didn’t he join NRM when he was still representing his people of Mawokota on an FDC ticket?” Okwera asked.

Using the FDC party to get elevated to positions of influence in the government is a high level of betrayal, which FDC does not entertain, he reacted.

“Former deputy president who was also our NEC member lost political balance on the way, but we need a body as health workers to help counsel election losers to maintain post-election sanity among our members,” Okwera insisted.

Juma Akankwasa, the Secretary General for Kampala Central division, said that Nsibambi had never convened any party meeting regarding Buganda region issues, so he has been a total loss to us.

“Nsibambi has left FDC alone, and he has no FDC followers joining him in NRM because they did not vote him to represent them. He has done nothing to help the NRM because he crossed the line after being frustrated,” Akankwasa noted.

Citing frustration with opposition politics and a desire to contribute to national unity and development, Nsibambi has since been downplaying opposition factions, including the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, on strategic politics which lack focus to cause desired change.

Nsibambi had previously expressed disillusionment with the opposition's inability to effect meaningful change and had been accused of withdrawing personal development initiatives in his constituency following his electoral loss.