KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has responded calmly to the defection of its outgoing Chief Whip in Parliament, Yusuf Nsibambi, to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), with party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi confirming plans to fill the vacancy promptly.
Speaking on NBS TV, Amuriat described Nsibambi’s exit as disappointing but not unexpected, noting that the party had observed behaviour over several months that suggested he might leave.
“Beginning sometime last year, there were certain tendencies that made us uncomfortable with him. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that he has taken a decision to move on,” Amuriat said.
However, the fact that Nsibambi joined NRM—a party he had opposed for decades—surprised many.
“It comes as a surprise to us, members of the FDC, leadership of the FDC, and the entire country, that Yusuf Nsibambi could wear the most yellow attire today and cross into the NRM,” Amuriat said, referencing the ruling party’s colours.
Amuriat also criticised Nsibambi for publicly smearing FDC while exiting, particularly claims that the party weakened after the departure of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
The FDC president dismissed these remarks as exaggerated and designed to curry favour with the ruling establishment.
Nsibambi had also been facing disciplinary action for allegedly meeting President Museveni at State House without authorisation, which Amuriat said violated Article 12 of the FDC Constitution.
A party disciplinary meeting had been scheduled but is now unnecessary due to his departure.
“FDC has survived bigger storms,” Amuriat said, citing past exits by notable leaders including Beti Kamya, Maj Gen (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, Ibrahim Semujju Nganda, and Erias Lukwago.
He emphasized that Nsibambi’s defection will not destabilise the party.
On succession, Amuriat indicated that consultations are underway to appoint a new Chief Whip, with Anna Adeke Ebaju, Soroti District Woman MP, emerging as a leading candidate.
“We are in consultations at the moment to replace him with the honourable Anna Adeke… we believe that her name is going to feature prominently,” he said.
Amuriat stressed that FDC will strengthen internal recruitment and mentorship to ensure future leaders are ideologically aligned and committed.
He concluded that while Nsibambi served the party for years, no individual is indispensable, and FDC now regards him as an opponent rather than an ally.