NUP defections: NRM pledges to work with ghetto youth

KAMPALA - National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general Richard Todwong has pledged to work with ghetto youths who have defected from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and other Opposition parties, joining the ruling party ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Over 1,200 youths from the districts of Wakiso and Kampala were unveiled on Sunday, September 22, 2025, at the NRM electoral commission offices in Kyadondo, Kampala.

Todwong, impressed by the enthusiasm of the new members, said he will closely engage them in mobilisation efforts for President Museveni’s campaign. He revealed that he will meet the groups on Wednesday to discuss a way forward and devise a strategic campaign plan.

“We have shared with you, you are full of life and vibe. We love you so much. We have been missing you. Where have you been?” he said, drawing cheers from the defectors," he said.

“We have shared with you, you are full of life and vibe. We love you so much. We have been missing you. Where have you been?” he said, drawing cheers from the defectors.

“The National Resistance Movement is a party for young people. All of you here, the way I see you, were produced during NRM time. And we are committed to make sure you live a full life.”

Todwong contrasted what he called “good politics” and “bad politics,” urging the new recruits to embrace unity and teamwork.

The NRM Secretary General also released President Yoweri Museveni’s nomination programme, which is scheduled for tomorrow and will culminate in a massive rally at Kololo.

He invited the defectors to join the party’s major activities in the coming days, including Museveni’s nomination.

“I will present you officially to the president. Then on Wednesday, I want to sit down with your leaders and plan how to support you. I want you to be different now that you have come to NRM, just to show those who are still there that NRM is where to belong,” he declared.

NRM deputy secretary general Rose Namayanja-Nsereko welcomed the new supporters, sharing her own journey from the Opposition to the ruling party.

“I am one of the founders of Uganda Young Democrats (UYD). But I left it and joined the mighty NRM party,” she said. “Welcome to the winning party and supporting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the tried and tested leader in Uganda.”

Barbara Oundo Nekesa, the NRM National Treasurer, urged the defectors to embrace the party’s guiding principles as the country pushes toward economic growth.

“We are now enforcing the fourth principle of social economic transformation,” she said.

“We are fighting poverty and ensuring that we have money in our pockets as Ugandans. The party you are joining is a party that is guided by four principles: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Democracy, and Socio-Economic Transformation.”

NRM director for mobilization Rosemary Seninde echoed the call for unity and development under the party’s leadership.