A group of 31 independent leaning members elected to the 12th parliament have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work with the ruling NRM party.
The independent MPs were led to the party headquarters at Kyadondo by Anita Among, the second vice chairperson (Female).
Speaking during the function, Among hailed the MPs for the decision to formally work with NRM.
“By God’s grace you are part of the bigger NRM family. Legally because you can’t cross the floor you are independents but politically you are NRM. We want to assure you as a party that we shall never let you down. The same benefits that NRM MPs will get will be the same benefits you too will get and independent Members of Parliament who have signed an MOU with the party,” Among said.
“If it is in leadership, we will give leadership position to independents. We have slots designed for independents. Even when we are going to Kyankwanzi for the retreat, we will invite you.”
The second NRM vice chairperson reminded the group that she is the dean of independents, noting that she will always fight for them.
The NRM National Treasurer, Amb. Barbara Nekesa who represented the secretary general welcomed the independent MPs for officially agreeing to work with the ruling party.
“Welcome to the house and welcome home. We are ready to work with you to support you to work for your people,” Nekesa said.
She applauded Among for efforts to unite NRM MPs and their independent counterparts so as to make NRM strong.
“I thank you not only for the tireless efforts you put in to ensure that we registered more than 71% in the just concluded elections but you have continued to bridge the gap between the party and our leaders that have been elected on independent tickets. This shall not only help us deliver to the people of Uganda but will also continue to strengthen the NRM party. We want everybody to deliver socio economic transformation by not leaving any MP behind.”
The director legal services at NRM, Enoch Barata told the independent MPs that by signing the MOU, they are not crossing to the NRM but rather agreeing to work with it during their term of office.
