Tayari News
KAMPALA – A cross-section of politicians have reacted to former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) whip in Parliament, Yusuf Nsibambi’s decision to cross to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Nsibambi, the former FDC legal strategist, was on Wednesday, 18th February, announced as a new NRM supporter by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among in the presence of NRM party officials. Declaring his defection at the NRM headquarters on Wednesday morning, Nsibambi described his move as part of “the struggle for peace,” saying that the polarized nature of opposition politics has left him frustrated and disillusioned.
The announcement was made days after Nsibambi reportedly met the NRM National Chairperson, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, at State House, Entebbe. Following his defeat in the Mawokota South in the recently concluded Parliamentary election, Nsibambi announced he was retiring from active politics.
The Speaker, after presenting her new catch, said Nsibambi made the right decision, saying that when people keep joining the NRM, it means good things are happening in the house.
“We hereby extend an official welcome to the Honourable Yusuf Nsibambi into the NRM family. We appreciate your recognition of the importance of our cause and your decision to join the movement dedicated to safeguarding and strengthening our nation’s achievements.” She said
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) Joel Ssenyonyi welcomed Nsibambi’s decision and said the move does not weaken the opposition.
“He has decided to start his fasting season by crossing over to the NRM. That is his right. And no one can take away that right from him. I am just glad that we have been vindicated because for a long time, he’s been pretentious about it. He went to meet Mr Museveni and said [that] he was doing this for the general good of the opposition to discuss issues of the opposition,” Ssenyonyi said.
He added, “We said, look, don’t pretend about this, it is clear that you went to Mr Museveni, you lost an election together with your other colleagues that were not able to make it for one reason or another. You were probably looking for some support, you may have some debts to take care of, maybe you are looking for a job, minister of state, RDC and all that. Be clear about your intentions, don’t pretend. Now the pretence is off. He has crossed over. Maybe he has some gains to protect.”
Former Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Burora Herbert Anderson hailed President Museveni for attracting people like Nsibambi to join him.
“Why do we study, and what do we study if we have not studied Kaguta Museveni? Long rule is not by coincidence. It is intentional. Those who abuse most and brag by swearing the most that they will never support Museveni, look at them carefully, for they are on a payroll to do so; eventually, they will turn up at an appropriate time. Welcome, Comrade Nsibambi.” He wrote on his X feed.
Timothy Kalyegira, a political commentator, said: “Nsibambi will wait for a good job. These are already reserved for current holders or losers of the NRM primaries. He’ll seek another meeting with Museveni but will be told Museveni is busy with other engagements.”
According to former Resident District Commissioner Hudu Hussein, his former teacher’s decision was long overdue.
“My dear teacher, you don’t know how I have been in pain to see you wasting good knowledge in the opposition. All your hard work is typical of our NRM DNA. I thank you for embracing the president’s reconciliation and healing agenda. Congratulations upon finally seeing the light,” he remarked.