Kampala, Uganda — More than 30 independent Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed interest in formalising cooperation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) following Uganda’s January 2026 elections.
The MPs gathered on Monday at the NRM headquarters in Kampala to witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), which will pave the way for collaboration on parliamentary business and access to leadership roles. Speaker of Parliament Anitah Among, acting as the “Dean of Independents,” assured the MPs that they would be included in key events and decision-making processes, emphasizing unity for national development.(ubctvuganda.com)
The agreements come after smaller support pledges in previous weeks and set the stage for official MOUs during an NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi in April, hosted by President Yoweri Museveni. Observers note that the move could further strengthen NRM’s majority in the 12th Parliament, particularly amid a bloc of over 70 independent MPs elected in the latest cycle.(NRM Online)
The MOUs are intended to facilitate cooperation between independent legislators and the ruling party, ensuring smoother legislative processes while allowing independents to maintain some degree of autonomy. Video coverage shared on social media captured Speaker Among leaving Parliament for Plot 10 to witness the signing, highlighting the high-profile nature of the event.(Galaxy FM)
Political analysts say the move could enhance NRM’s influence in key parliamentary votes while giving independent MPs greater access to resources and leadership opportunities, signalling a pragmatic alignment in Uganda’s post-election landscape.
