RUKIGA, UGANDA – The former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Chairperson for Rukiga District, Hon. Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba, has announced his decision to join forces with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and support President Yoweri Museveni in the ongoing presidential campaigns.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The defection was first signaled in a 49-second video that circulated widely on social media, showing Hon. Mbareba in the company of prominent NRM cadres, including the party’s vocal Kabale-based member, Edison Political.
In the video, Mbareba declared his intention to shift his political allegiance and actively campaign for the NRM’s presidential candidate, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.When contacted for confirmation, the former opposition stalwart affirmed his new position.
Mbareba, who is now an independent candidate for the LC V Rukiga District chairmanship, confirmed his dramatic defection and pledged to wholeheartedly support President Museveni.
The move marks a significant shift for the politician, who is running for the district seat as an independent candidate after abandoning his opposition roots.
When asked if he would surrender his candidature to the NRM’s official flag bearer, Mbareba clarified that his new alliance is a strategic partnership, not a surrender of his own political ambition.
“My alliance with the NRM is a strategic partnership, not a surrender of my independent mandate. I will not fight for their flag; I stand firm on my own ticket, trusting the people of Rukiga to make the ultimate choice based on our shared vision and my proven record,” Mbareba stated.
The independent candidate confirmed his commitment to the new partnership, pledging to campaign alongside the NRM flag bearer at joint rallies as he continues to pursue his own political goals.
Hon. Mbareba further rallied his supporters to back his decisive move and extend their support to President Museveni, signaling a unified front as the country moves closer to the elections.