The National Unity Platform (NUP) has gained momentum after poaching at least over 40 members from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in its Kunga campaign. 

The defections are seen as a setback for FDC which has been struggling to maintain its support base in the face of NUP’s growing popularity.

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The Kunga campaign which was unveiled in 2022, campaign in a move aimed at spreading the message of change at all levels across the country with mobilization committees from villages, and parishes up to the national level has been gaining momentum in recent months and the defections from FDC are likely to further boost NUP’s prospects ahead of the next elections.

On Sunday, the party unveiled the FDC Secretary for Labour and a National Executive Committee (NUP) member, Habib Buwembo alongside 47 other FDC members.

Buwembo, a renowned critic of president Museveni on January 12, 2023 announced that he had resigned from his position as the secretary for labour, NEC member and withdrawn membership from FDC.

“I Buwembo Habib of the FDC membership card No. 593450 and NIN CM82101106615C hereby confirm that I have today 12th day of January 2023 resigned as FDC NEC member in position of secretary for labour and pensions and also as a member of FDC,” he wrote.

 On Sunday, Buwembo and the group were welcomed by NUP national mobiliser Fred Nyanzi alias Chairman Nyanzi at the party headquarters in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb and were officially welcomed to the party.

Nyanzi while speaking to the media commended the group for their dedication and commitment towards the struggle for change and his recruitment comes as a morale booster to the National Unity Platform

 “We have always looked out to have people like Buwembo whose determination for change and rule of law in Uganda is uncompromised,” Nyanzi said adding that said both the FDC and NUP agitate for a noble change of power through their United Forces of Change and KUNGA Campaign, respectively.’’ He said.

 Buwembo, is a former MP aspirant for Rubaga South in the 2016 elections which he lost to Paul Kato Lubwana claimed a lack of transparency and accountability in FDC prompted his exit, noting that he was ready to work under NUP.

Last year, opposition big wigs in Uganda including Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine and Dr Kizza Besigye vowed that 2023 would be the year to work together to ensure change but this is now  seen by many people as jeopardizing efforts at a united opposition working a common goal