National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong has welcomed a group of senior former opposition leaders who recently crossed to the ruling party in Amolatar district.

The group comprised former members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) parties.

The defectors were led by Okot P. Bitek, a former Kyoga County Member of Parliament and former FDC Legal Secretary.

Todwong arrived in Amolatar on Saturday afternoon and was received by NRM district chairperson Olwit Kamilo, Resident District Commissioner Francis Rwotlonyo and other members of the district party leadership.

Also read: Okot Bitek on why he left FDC for NRM

He later formally welcomed the former opposition members into the NRM, describing the movement as a political organisation that has historically brought together people from different political backgrounds.

Todwong said political opponents could eventually become allies when united by the goal of national development. He urged Bitek to use his political experience and skills to contribute to the development of the people of Amolatar.

Bitek was the principal figure in the group that crossed to the NRM, bringing several former opposition leaders into the ruling party in the district.

During the event, the former opposition leaders and NRM members presented a memorandum of their concerns through Peter Okodo.

Among their key requests was the tarmacking of the Amolatar–Dokolo road and the elevation of Amolatar Health Centre IV to a district hospital.

Okodo also appealed for seed capital to support hardworking NRM members who had contributed to the party’s activities. He pledged to begin construction of an NRM district office and asked the party secretariat to assist with the project.

Dr. Agnes Atim Apea, former Woman Member of Parliament, urged older NRM members to welcome Bitek and other new members.

She cautioned party supporters against divisive politics over who had been in the NRM longer, saying the party should belong to all its members.

Amolatar district chairperson, Ogwal Omara Morish, also asked the party leadership to prioritise the tarmacking of roads and the development of a tourism centre in Amolatar.

Former LC5 contestant and NRM flag bearer James Auna said he remained committed to the party despite its challenges. Comparing himself to a farmer whose crops had been stolen but who still returned to the garden, Auna said he would continue working for the NRM.

In response to the concerns raised, Todwong said he would meet President Yoweri Museveni on Monday and brief him about the challenges facing the people of Amolatar, particularly the need to improve the Amolatar–Dokolo road and upgrade Amolatar Health Centre IV.

He said he understood the frustration of communities that voted overwhelmingly for the NRM but had not seen sufficient development benefits.

Todwong also warned party members against sidelining new converts such as Bitek. He emphasised that all members were equal, regardless of when they joined the party.

The latest defections mark another instance of former opposition leaders joining the NRM as the party continues to mobilise support.