President Yoweri Museveni has praised a group of former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who recently defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), describing their decision as a sign of “reform” and maturity.
In a statement posted on X, the President said he met the group at Kololo and commended them for abandoning what he termed as “misleading opposition politics.”
He also extended congratulations to those who were previously imprisoned, saying their recognition of past mistakes had earned them forgiveness.
“The NRM will support their reintegration into society,” Museveni noted, adding that the government was ready to stand by the converts as they begin a new chapter under the ruling party.
The President accused leaders of NUP and some sections of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) of exploiting young people for political gain.
According to him, opposition leaders misguide youth into confrontations that often lead to deaths and imprisonment.
“These bad leaders in NUP and some sections of FDC misguide the youth into danger, resulting in unnecessary deaths. They really have nothing to offer,” Museveni wrote.
The development comes amid continued tensions between government and opposition groups, especially NUP led by Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
NUP has consistently accused the state of intimidation, abductions, and politically motivated arrests targeting its members.
While Museveni framed the defections as a step toward reconciliation, opposition figures are likely to view the move as part of the ruling party’s strategy to weaken dissent ahead of the 2026 elections.
The President reiterated that the NRM remains committed to stability, urging young Ugandans to shun opposition politics and focus on development under his leadership.