NRM strengthens footing in Amolatar as ex-opposition leaders cross to ruling party
POLITICS
📹By Lazarus Odongo
Amolatar, Uganda 》National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong has formally received a group of former opposition leaders who have joined the ruling party in Amolatar District, in a political development that has attracted attention across the Lango sub-region.
The defectors reportedly came from several opposition political parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).
Todwong arrived in Amolatar on Saturday, September 19, 2026, where he was welcomed by NRM District Chairperson Olwit Kamilo, Resident District Commissioner Francis Rwotlonyo and other members of the district party leadership.
The Secretary General later presided over a formal ceremony at which the former opposition figures were welcomed into the NRM. The occasion brought together party leaders, supporters and local political actors as the new members publicly associated themselves with the ruling movement.
At the centre of the development was Moses Junior Okot Bitek, the former Member of Parliament for Kioga County and former national legal secretary of the FDC. Bitek had earlier formally crossed from the FDC to the NRM at the party headquarters in Kampala on September 5, where he was received by Todwong alongside other former FDC members from Amolatar.
Todwong calls for political experience to serve development
While welcoming the new members, Todwong described the NRM as a political organisation that has historically accommodated people with different political backgrounds and experiences.
He said individuals who once stood on opposing political platforms could eventually work together when they shared a common interest in national development.
Todwong specifically encouraged Bitek to put his experience in politics, law and public leadership to use in addressing the needs of the people of Amolatar.
The NRM Secretary General’s message comes at a time when political parties are reorganising their structures following the 2026 general elections, with former political rivals increasingly entering new political alliances.
Bitek served in Uganda’s 11th Parliament as the representative of Kioga County and previously occupied the position of FDC national legal secretary. His movement to the NRM has therefore drawn particular attention because of his previous senior role within the opposition party.
Hon.Bitek Okot former FDC Mp Kioga County emerges as key figure in amolatar political realignment
Bitek has emerged as one of the prominent figures in the latest political movement in Amolatar, with other former opposition supporters joining him in moving into the NRM.
His earlier transition was accompanied by a delegation of former FDC members from Amolatar, including district leaders and former political contestants. The delegation was led by Amolatar NRM District Chairperson Olwit Kamilo.
The development also follows Bitek’s public argument that his experience in Parliament had influenced his decision to work from within government structures in pursuit of development objectives.
The latest reception in Amolatar has consequently added a new chapter to Bitek’s political career while giving the NRM an opportunity to showcase the entry of former opposition figures into its ranks.
The political activity also coincided with Bitek’s homecoming and the Dwog Pacu Cup celebration at Amolatar Boma Grounds, an event that brought together football supporters, youth, community leaders and political figures.
With the former opposition leaders now formally welcomed into the NRM, attention is expected to focus on how their political experience will be incorporated into the party’s structures and activities in Amolatar.
The development illustrates the continuing movement of political actors between Uganda’s parties and comes amid preparations and political mobilisation following the 2026 general elections.
