By Our Reporter
Uganda’s political chessboard has experienced a dramatic shift as eight Members of Parliament (MPs) officially crossed party lines ahead of the anticipated 2026 general elections. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among confirmed the defections during a recent sitting, setting the stage for a potentially reshaped legislative landscape and realigned political coalitions.
“These Members have formally notified Parliament of their decisions, and due process has been followed,” said Speaker Among, referring to the constitutional provision under Article 83(2a) that allows MPs to switch political allegiance within the final 12 months of a parliamentary term.
The MPs Who Crossed Over
The defections span a wide spectrum—ranging from opposition MPs joining the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to internal shifts within opposition circles, especially involving the newly formed Democratic Front, which has quickly attracted attention as a breakaway platform.
The following MPs were officially named:
- Hon. Twaha Kagabo (Bukoto South) – From National Unity Platform (NUP) to NRM
- Hon. Akol Anthony (Kilak North) – From Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to NRM
- Hon. Ojara Martin Mapenduzi (Bardege Layibi) – From Independent to NRM
- Hon. Ongiertho Emmanuel (Jonam County) – From FDC to NRM
- Hon. Mpuuga Mathias (Nyendo-Mukungwe) – From NUP to Democratic Front
- Hon. Dr. Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonera) – From NUP to Democratic Front
- Hon. Kakembo Michael (Entebbe Municipality) – From NUP to Democratic Front
- Hon. Kakande Juliet Nakabuye (Masaka City Woman MP) – From NUP to Democratic Front
The National Resistance Movement has emerged as the biggest gainer, absorbing four MPs, three of whom hail from opposition strongholds. Analysts suggest this bolsters the ruling party’s legislative leverage ahead of major votes on electoral reforms and economic policies.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Front—a relatively new outfit—has made a bold entrance, attracting high-profile defectors from NUP, Uganda’s leading opposition party. Among them is Mathias Mpuuga, a key figure whose departure could trigger deeper internal divisions within NUP ranks.
Political analyst Sarah Bireete says the defections are both a sign of political realignment and a symptom of deeper ideological rifts within opposition parties. “These movements reveal unresolved tensions, especially in how opposition parties approach coalition-building and internal governance,” she noted.
Under Article 83(2a) of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, MPs are allowed to change party affiliation within the final year of a parliamentary term without risking loss of their seat. This legal provision, intended to promote democratic freedom, is now a tool for strategic positioning ahead of general elections.
Speaker Among reiterated Parliament’s commitment to uphold Article 29, which guarantees freedom of association, noting that “each Member is exercising a constitutional right.”
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, these defections signal early turbulence in political waters. Parties losing members will need to re-strategize, both nationally and at the constituency level, to regain trust and voter confidence.
Whether these shifts mark the beginning of wider party reshuffles remains to be seen—but for now, they underscore the fluid and often unpredictable nature of Uganda’s pre-election political climate.