Two Kyotera District legislators have formally resigned from the Democratic Party (DP), citing a loss of direction and core values within the party, and have instead joined the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
Fortunate Rose Nantongo, the Kyotera Woman MP, and John Paul Mpalanyi Lukwago, MP for Kyotera County, were introduced as new NUP members during a meeting at Bakhita Hotel in Kyotera on Tuesday.
“I can no longer associate myself with a party that has lost its moral compass,” Nantongo declared. “DP chose to align itself with oppressors. NUP stands for justice, and that’s why I’ve joined.”
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The MPs condemned DP President and Justice Minister Norbert Mao, accusing him of compromising the opposition and misguiding the party’s direction.
“Under Mao, DP has ceased being a force for change—it has become part of the problem,” she added.
They argued that the party leadership had deviated from its founding mission and no longer represented the people’s interests, prompting their departure.
NUP officials—including deputy spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro, Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja, and regional mobilizer Charles Kirumira—welcomed the duo into the party.
“We welcome those committed to honest and courageous public service,” Namayanja said.
She emphasized that NUP would issue membership cards only to individuals who have proven their ability to advocate for citizens, especially in Parliament.
Mufumbiro expressed the party’s support for the new members, saying, “We must show extra care to new members, just like newborns. You’ve joined a people-driven movement—stay close to your communities and strive to secure every seat.”
Although they’ve declared their shift in allegiance, both MPs acknowledged that election laws prevent them from formally changing party affiliation until May 2025.
“We’re awaiting the official transition next month, when our NUP membership will be legally recognized,” Lukwago explained.
Alongside the MPs, several DP district councillors also joined NUP in preparation for the 2026 elections.
However, the move has stirred tensions among longstanding NUP supporters, some of whom worry about being edged out by newcomers.
Ruth Nassali, a hopeful for the Kyotera Woman MP seat on the NUP ticket, voiced her concern:
“We’ve dedicated ourselves to this party for years. We shouldn’t be overlooked in favor of latecomers.”
In response, Mufumbiro called for unity and respect:
“We must abandon the habit of attacking fellow leaders. Let’s stay disciplined and focused on our collective mission to free Uganda.”
Historically a DP stronghold, Kyotera had two out of its three parliamentary seats under the party before this political shift.
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