Over 100 FDC and Independent Supporters Defect to NRM in Obongi, back WMP Jumura maneno Ahead of 2026 Elections.
By Okidi Patrick
Obongi, Uganda – January 9, 2026: In a significant political shift ahead of the 2026 general elections, more than one hundred supporters of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and former backers of independent Woman MP candidate Joyo Harriet have officially defected to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), rallying behind the incumbent Woman MP and NRM flag bearer, Hon. Maneno Zumura.
The mass defection took place during a vibrant political rally held in Palujo and Yenga villages, Palorinya sub-county, Obongi District. The event, attended by hundreds of residents, marked a turning point in the region’s political landscape as former vocal opponents of Hon. Zumura publicly pledged allegiance to her and the NRM government.
The defectors, described as former key campaign foot soldiers for Joyo Harriet during the previous election cycle, cited deepening tribalism, religious division, and lack of political vision as their primary reasons for abandoning Harriet’s camp.
“Joyo Harriet is no longer uniting Obongians. Instead, she’s breeding hatred along tribal and religious lines,” declared Power Moses, one of the prominent defectors. “We realized she has no manifesto—only a campaign of insults and mudslinging. Worse still, she’s openly promoting opposition candidates from outside Obongi, neglecting the real needs of our people.”
Others, including Arumadri Max Amos and Nyoka Martin, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that their decision was guided by a desire for peace, development, and national unity under the NRM leadership.
“We’ve seen what Hon. Maneno Zumura has done for Obongi,” said Nyoka Martin. “She doesn’t just promise; she delivers. From the Zumura Education Fund to the decent housing project that provides iron sheets and mattresses to top-performing students, she’s transformed lives in our communities.”
The defectors also praised Hon. Zumura for her anti-corruption stance and commitment to grassroots development, calling her a “voice for the voiceless” in a historically marginalized region.
“She stands firm against corruption, advocates for our women and youth, and brings development with her own resources,” added Pawa Moses. “We now commit to campaign for President Museveni and all NRM candidates in Obongi. Our future lies with NRM.”
Hon. Maneno Zumura welcomed the new members into the NRM fold, describing their decision as a victory for unity and progress. “I thank these members for seeing the truth and choosing peace over division,” she said. “Their return to the national fold shows that Obongians are united and focused on development, not tribalism or sectarianism.”
She pledged to continue serving the people of Obongi with humility and dedication. “I made a promise in 2021, and I’m fulfilling it. The Zumura Education Fund and housing projects will continue and expand. I will remain your servant and representative as we build a better Obongi together.”
Political analysts say the defection is a strong indicator of shifting voter sentiments in the region, with grassroots support consolidating around performance-based leadership. The move also underlines growing dissatisfaction with divisive politics, particularly in post-conflict areas like Obongi.
As the 2026 campaigns intensify, Hon. Maneno Zumura’s growing support base positions her as a formidable contender in the Woman MP race, bolstered by both state-backed programs and her own personal development initiatives.
For now, Obongi’s political winds appear to be blowing firmly in favor of unity, stability, and homegrown leadership.
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