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Newly-elected Kisoro MP signs deal with NRM

Kisoro District woman Member of parliament Grace Ngabirano Akifeza (R) poses for a photo with NRM deputy secretary general Rose Namayanja Nsereko after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the party in Kampala on December 17, 2024. PHOTO/DAVID LUBOWA

What you need to know:

  • NRM says it seeks “to establish a framework for cooperation in implementing its 2021-2026 manifesto."

Newly elected Kisoro District legislator Grace Ngabirano Akifeza has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), announcing her “association and choice to work" with the party she defeated in last month’s by-election in the aftermath of losing in its primaries. 

Ngabirano defied the NRM position to stand as an independent candidate in the November 15 election to replace deceased Sarah Mateke, who died in September 2024.

Ngabirano became Member of Parliament (MP) after obtaining 50, 459 votes with NRM flagbearer Rose Kabagenyi falling second with 44,982 votes despite being endorsed by President Museveni.

NRM officials, including government whip Hamson Obua, Tuesday said returning Ngabirano “will enjoy all privileges an NRM lawmaker is entitled to.”

“I am here to present to you our dear sister as the newest independent MP, but she has decided to associate with NRM. She will be attending meetings and retreats organised by the NRM caucus,” Obua told journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala.

Kisoro District woman Member of parliament Grace Ngabirano Akifeza (2nd r) poses for a photo with NRM officials after entering a Memorandum of Understanding with the party in Kampala on December 17, 2024. PHOTO/DAVID LUBOWA

Nagbirano said she is focused on working for the unity and development of Kisoro, which according to her is best achievable through working with the NRM.  

“If we are out of it [NRM] we are not participating in development. Coming back home is a blessing for me and Kisoro. It gives us a fresh start.  Unity is very important because that is the only way we can make Kisoro shine,” she reacted.

NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko said the ruling party seeks “to establish a framework of cooperation in as far as implementing the 2021-2026 manifesto is concerned.”

Namajanja added that: “She [Ngabirano] will participate in all the activities of the party inside and outside parliament.” 

Namayanja revealed that NRM has so far have signed similar political MoUs with about 50 individuals including MPs and local government heads in different districts. 

Law

While the law bars legislators from crossing party lines during their tenure for a given term, they are given leeway to associate and work with any group of their choice.

Parliament in 2015 passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2015 allowing legislators to switch political affiliation or become independents a year ahead of a general election.