Museveni Accuses Opposition of Devising Criminal Plans to Destabilize Uganda

President Yoweri Museveni has received eight opposition parliamentary flag bearers from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Democratic Front who have withdrawn from the 2026 general election and defected to NRM.

These were announced by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa last night during president Museveni’s media interaction with journalists from Greater Masaka at Nakasero State House here in Kampala.

Among the defections are Binomugisha Godfrey, the NUP parliamentary candidate for Bushenyi–Ishaka, Kabugho Macklin, NUP candidate for Busongola South in Kasese District, Twine John, NUP candidate for Ntoroko County and Ariho Phiona, a Democratic Front parliamentary candidate for Ndorwa East.

Others are Amin Kanu, NUP candidate for Lower Madi County, Aciru Gloria, NUP woman parliamentary candidate for Madi-Okollo District, Kamalad Gard, an NUP candidate for Ruhama and Kojo Sam from Bunyangabu.

In his reaction, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni slammed for the opposition accusing a section of opposition leaders of being backed by western actors to destabilize Uganda. 

Museveni claimed that some Western countries are unsettled by Uganda’s development strides and future prospects, prompting them to allegedly use opposition politicians to disrupt the country. 

According to Museveni, his interactions with opposition politicians who have recently defected to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) revealed that many initially joined opposition parties unknowingly. He claimed that upon discovering what he termed as “evil plans” against the country, some chose to abandon the opposition.

The President went on to highlight what he described as the NRM’s tremendous achievements in driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through its seven-pillar ideological framework.

He said that by prioritising national security, improving social services and infrastructure, promoting agriculture, creating jobs, and generating wealth, among other interventions, Uganda has registered significant progress in economic growth and stability.

Museveni further challenged Ugandans to embrace the campaign for the East African regional federation, arguing that regional integration would expand markets for agricultural produce and increase earnings for citizens.

He noted that East African Community member states stand to achieve greater development and technological advancement by working together, and called on Ugandans to support his push for regional federation for the broader good of the region.

Separately, the President warned against what he described as selfish individuals involved in illegal land evictions, saying his government is preparing to take tough action against them.