More than ten parliamentary candidates from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have withdrawn from their respective parties and crossed over to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), marking one of the biggest opposition defections ahead of the January 15, 2026 general elections.

The defectors were on Wednesday formally presented to the NRM top leadership at the party headquarters in Kyadondo, Kampala, by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.

Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker Tayebwa presented the defectors to NRM leaders.

Among those who joined the NRM are Denis Onyum, NUP flag bearer for Kioga County in Amolatar District; Oryem Godfrey, NUP flag bearer for Omoro County in Omoro District; Dr. Martin Owako, FDC flag bearer for Pallisa County; and Onaigo Henry, the FDC candidate for Gogonyo County in Pallisa District.

Others include Walter Okot, NUP flag bearer for Aswa County in Pader District; Balikowa Moses, FDC candidate for Bunya South in Mayuge District; Kanta Joseph Ocen, NUP flag bearer for Lamwo County; David Okullu, NUP candidate for Oyam North; and Odongo Allan Charles, NUP flag bearer for Kwania North County.

While presenting the group, Tayebwa dismissed opposition claims that the defections were driven by financial inducements, saying the process was based on dialogue and conviction rather than bribery.

“We have been engaging these leaders deeply about the future of our country. Some people may not be happy, and I don’t expect applause,” Tayebwa said. “There is a rumour that we buy people, but how much would you buy a PhD holder, an engineer, or people who are already well established?”

He added that political realignments should not be criminalised, noting that dialogue and engagement are essential in a democratic society.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Oryem Godfrey said he was ready to work with other leaders to address development challenges in the Acholi sub-region. Denis Onyum acknowledged that his earlier opposition stance was influenced by political indoctrination and pledged to mobilise support for President Museveni and other NRM candidates.

“We had plans against the NRM, but we thank God we are here now and ready to work with the government,” Onyum said.

Deputy NRM Secretary General Rose Namayanja welcomed the new members and urged them to uphold the party’s core values of patriotism, nationalism, democracy and Pan-Africanism. She described their decision as patriotic and driven by a desire to contribute positively to Uganda’s development.

“This is about conviction. If someone can leave NRM for another party, others can also leave and join NRM,” Namayanja said.

The development marks the latest wave of opposition defections to the NRM as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2026 polls.