DF Membership In Parliament Grows After MP Ssimbwa’s Defection From NUP

The Democratic Front (DF) has celebrated an achievement, bringing its total number of members in Parliament to five, following the recent switch of Fred Ssimbwa Kaggwa, the MP for Nakifuma County, from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).

Ssimbwa was formally introduced as a DF member on October 21, 2025, during a gathering at the party headquarters in Namirembe, where DF President Mathias Mpuuga and other leaders extended a warm welcome.

At the event, Ssimbwa was presented with a party flag, symbolizing his commitment to retaining his current parliamentary role, which he has fulfilled since 2021.

“We have found a new home at the DF, and we are poised to thrive under the shelter of the big tree. I assure you (DF) of an outright victory because I lead as the number one commander in Nakifuma, and I will guide my constituents to success,” he declared to the lively crowd of party supporters.

In his speech, Ssimbwa articulated his reasons for joining the DF, emphasizing the party’s commitment to integrity in leadership.

“We have aligned ourselves with the DF because it embraces leadership rooted in decency, free from divisive tactics and mutual hostility,” he stated, setting a positive tone for the future.

President Mpuuga welcomed Ssimbwa warmly, urging the Nakifuma populace to reject leadership that thrives on superficial excitement.

“Advise our people in Nakifuma to steer clear of unfounded governance based on mere thrills; we must build a new foundation grounded in respect and constructive dialogue. The advantage is that you now have a dedicated leader at your helm,” he emphasized.

Mpuuga also highlighted the rapid expansion of the DF, remarking, “DF is merely five months old and already boasts five MPs. Can this really be dismissed as a jest? It illustrates our swift progress. Go forth, and continue building.”

He regarded Ssimbwa’s transition to the DF as indicative of strong leadership ready to enhance efficient governance and collaborative efforts.

The DF has not only welcomed a new member but has also observed other MPs migrating from NUP to join its ranks.

Ssimbwa is the latest in a series of recent defections, utilizing article 83(a) of the 1995 Constitution, which allows MPs to change parties within 12 months of an election term ending.

Earlier, four other MPs; Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe), Micheal Mbwatekamwa (Ntebbe Municipality), Kakande Juliet Nakabuye (Masaka City Woman MP), and Dr. Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonera), made similar transitions to the DF in June 2025.

With this latest addition, the DF’s influence and popularity among the electorate are visibly on the rise as it gears up for the 2026 elections, stepping into the political arena with five sitting MPs prepared to campaign for sustained representation.