Simspon M
Over 150 members of the opposition in Rukungiri municipality have switched allegiance from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
These individuals were welcomed into the NRM fold by senior presidential advisor Francis Batinti from Rukungiri district, along with Rukungiri municipality legislator Hon Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, during evaluation meetings held at Geso Inn and Riverside Hotel. These gatherings drew leaders and NRM representatives from the three divisions—Eastern, Western, and Southern—that constitute Rukungiri municipality.
In his address welcoming the former FDC members, Batinti praised their decision to join the NRM, portraying it as the only authentic and people-centric political party in Uganda, committed to advancing the nation’s development agenda.
Rutahigwa, in his remarks, explained that the purpose of these evaluation meetings was to communicate his plans for the municipality and outline his accomplishments during his three years in parliament. He highlighted efforts to upgrade Rukungiri Health Centre IV, secure funding for the district hospital, expand rural electrification, improve road infrastructure, support religious institutions, and enhance the education sector.
Asserting that his tenure under the NRM has outperformed the FDC’s decade-long rule in Rukungiri municipality, Rutahigwa called for unity and cooperation among constituents to foster development.
Among those defecting was Medard Mubagizi, the LC1 of Rwarubiira village in the Southern Division, who cited the declining popularity of the FDC in national politics as a reason for their switch. Some mentioned their disillusionment with the FDC, attributing their support solely to former party president Dr. Kizza Besigye. They pledged to continue persuading other disaffected opposition members to join the ruling party.
