Several Members of Parliament have defected from their respective parties, crossing over to rival political formations in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
Most notably, defections have occurred from both the National Unity Platform (NUP),the largest opposition party and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), as well as from NUP to the newly formed Democratic Front.
The revelation was made by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among during the State of the Nation Address held yesterday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Citing Article 83(2a) of the 1995 Constitution, the Speaker noted that Members of Parliament are legally allowed to switch political affiliations within 12 months before the end of a parliamentary term in preparation for the general elections.
“I am in receipt of notifications by a number of Members opting to join respective political parties of their choice,” Speaker Among stated.
List of Recent MP Defections include; Twaha Kagabo (Bukoto South) from NUP to NRM, Akol Anthony (Kilak North) from FDC to NRM, Ojara Martin Mapenduzi (Bardege-Layibi) from Independent to NRM and Ongiertho Emmanuel (Jonam County) from FDC to NRM.
Others are; Mpuuga Mathias (Nyendo-Mukungwe) from NUP to Democratic Front, Dr. Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonera) from NUP to Democratic Front, Kakembo Michael (Entebbe Municipality) from NUP to Democratic Front and Juliet Nakabuyi Kakande (Masaka City Woman MP) from NUP to Democratic Front.
The increasing number of defections signals possible shifts in Uganda’s political dynamics as the 2026 elections draw closer. Analysts suggest that internal party disagreements, strategic positioning, and the emergence of new political formations may be influencing these moves.
