Nine independent-leaning Members of Parliament have formally expressed interest in working with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), signaling potential cooperation in the upcoming parliamentary term.
The MPs — Esther Achom (Serere), Peter Ojiji (Pingire), Mercy Kanyesigye (National Female Youth), Rose Mutonyi (Manafwa), Ronald Mutego (Butaleja), Emmanuel Illukol (Bukora County), Anthony Tumusiime (Isingiro), Spellanza Baguma (Kyenjojo), and Richard Ssenteza (Buikwe) — were on Wednesday introduced at the NRM headquarters by the party’s Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Anita Among.
They were received by senior party officials led by Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja.
Speaking at the meeting, Among commended the legislators for expressing willingness to collaborate with the ruling party. She noted that several of the MPs had previously contested in NRM primaries but later ran as independents after losing party nominations.
“We appreciate your decision to work with the NRM. Many of you participated in our primaries and, although you did not secure the party flag, you went on to win your seats. We welcome your commitment to cooperation,” Among said.
She added that collaboration would strengthen support for President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership and the party’s legislative agenda.
Namayanja reiterated that the NRM remains open to working with all legislators, noting that out of the 67 independent MPs in Parliament, 54 previously participated in NRM primaries.
“As a party, we believe in inclusiveness. We welcome those who are willing to formalize cooperation through Memoranda of Understanding to guide engagement with the NRM over the next five years,” Namayanja said.
She clarified that candidates who stood as independents were not eligible for official party support during the elections, including campaign facilitation reserved for NRM flag bearers.
NRM Director of Legal Services Enoch Barata emphasized that the arrangement does not amount to crossing from independent status to the NRM. Instead, he described it as a structured cooperation framework, largely centered on supporting positions agreed upon by the NRM Parliamentary Caucus.
“The cooperation does not change anyone’s political affiliation. It provides a basis for collaboration on key legislative matters, particularly where there is alignment with the NRM caucus,” Barata explained.
He added that the independent MPs would be able to formally sign cooperation agreements with the party after being gazetted and sworn in.
The development reflects the NRM’s continued efforts to consolidate parliamentary support ahead of the new legislative term.
