Kampala- More than 30 independent Members of Parliament have expressed interest in working with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)
The development emerged in a meeting held Monday at the NRM party headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala, where a group of legislators formally began the process of signing expressions of interest to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Party.
Speaking at the meeting, Speaker of Parliament, who is also NRM’s 2nd National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, who also serves as the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), reassured the independent legislators of their status while welcoming their decision to collaborate with the party.
“As Members of Parliament, legally and politically, you are independent. You cannot cross the floor, and that is why you are independent,” Among said. “But I want to assure you that the same benefits that NRM members receive will also be extended to you once you sign the memorandum of understanding.”
She emphasized inclusivity, noting that independent MPs who align with the NRM would have access to leadership opportunities and be invited to key party activities, including the upcoming retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
Among also emphasized her role in coordinating independent legislators, describing the Speaker as the “Dean of Independents,” tasked with ensuring their effective participation in parliamentary work and national development.
“Our work is to support the social and economic transformation of our people. You are the voice of the people, and you must work with government to deliver progress,” she added.
According to Among, a team of more than 30 independent MPs had already initiated the process, with more expected to join. She revealed that a formal unveiling of all participating independents will be conducted at the Kyankwanzi retreat, where they will be officially presented to the party leadership.
On behalf of the Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, the NRM National Treasurer Amb. Barbara Nekesa welcomed the legislators, describing the move as a step toward national unity and collective action against poverty and underdevelopment.
“Unity is very important. What the Speaker is doing is removing any barriers between the NRM and independent Members of Parliament. These are imaginary barriers,” Nekesa said. “We welcome you home and we are ready to support you in serving your people.”
She also commended Among for her role in bridging the gap between the ruling party and independently elected leaders, noting that such efforts would strengthen the NRM’s grassroots presence and national agenda.
The NRM Director of Legal Services Counsel Enoch Barata clarified that the documents being signed are expressions of interest, not a formal crossing to the party.
“You are not crossing, but you intend to work with the NRM during your term of office,” Barata explained. “We will use these expressions of interest to compile a list for invitations and prepare memorandums of understanding to be signed at the official function.”
He added that participation remains voluntary, with only willing MPs being included in the arrangement.
The meeting was also attended by NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi, his deputy Fred Jachan Omach, and other commissioners.
