NUP Officially Loses 5 MPs To DF, NRM

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has lost five (5) of its Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Democratic Front (DF), a newly formed political party unveiled just last week by the national coordinator of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, made the announcement on June 5, 2025, during the opening of the 5th and final session of the 11th Parliament at the Kololo ceremonial ground.

As she delivered her communication from the chair, Speaker Among referenced Article 83(a) of the 1995 Constitution, which allows MPs to leave and join political parties or organizations of their choice within 12 months before the end of Parliament’s term.

“As you may be aware that article 83(a) of the 1995 Constitution permits members of parliament to leave and join political parties or political organizations of their choice within twelve [12] months before the end of term of Parliament to participate in activities or programs of political parties or political organizations,” she said.

The Speaker then announced that she had received notifications from several MPs “opting” to join their “respective political parties.”

Specifically, she revealed that four (4) NUP MPs had defected to the Democratic Front, stating, “Hon Mpuuga Mathias, MP Nyendo-Mukungwe from the NUP to the Democratic Front [DF], Hon Dr. Abed Bwanika, MP Kimaanya-Kabonera from NUP to DF, Hon Kakembo Michael Mbwatekamwa, MP Entebbe Municipality from NUP to DF, Hon Kakande Juliet Nakabuye, MP Masaka City Woman from NUP to DF,” she declared.

The DF, which is yet to be officially launched in a grand event, has already made a significant impact with the defection of these notable NUP MPs. The party, which emerged from the Democratic Alliance that includes at least three political parties, is expected to unveil its ideology to the public soon.

However, NUP’s loss does not end with the four legislators-the party has also seen Hon Twaha Kagabo, MP for Bukoto South, join the ruling NRM.

“Hon Twaha Kagabo, MP Bukoto South from the NUP to the NRM, Hon Akol Anthony MP, Kirak North from FDC to the NRM, Hon Ojara Mapenduuzi Martin MP, Madege Liabi from independent opposition-leaning to the NRM, and Hon Onyeso Emmanuel MP, Jonam County from FDC to NRM,” Speaker Among announced.

Unlike the alleged defections of MPs from independent and political parties to the NUP in press conferences, these MPs defecting to the DF and the NRM have officially communicated with the Speaker, notifying her of their decision to join new parties, which shows their commitment to adhering to the law.

The Speaker wished the MPs well in their new endeavors, referencing Article 29 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.

“We wish the MPs well in the exercise of their freedom of association as prescribed in Article 29 of the Constitution of Uganda, which we swore to uphold,” she said.

The Democratic Front’s acquisition of four NUP MPs even before its official launch is a significant boost to the party’s prospects, and it will be interesting to see how they harness this momentum.