NUP’s Twaha Kagabo switches to NRM

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It is now official. Bukoto South MP Twaha Kagabo has formally crossed to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

In a letter dated May 29, 2025, Kagabo notified the Speaker of Parliament of his decision to switch allegiance from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to the ruling NRM.

“I am writing to inform you about my decision to switch my party allegiances from the NUP platform to the NRM. Noting that we are already within twelve months before the end of the term of Parliament, I am officially joining the ruling NRM to fully participate in the party’s activities relating to the forthcoming general elections, including party primaries,” Kagabo said.

“In accordance with Article 83 of the Constitution, I will now cross the floor to the side of the ruling government,” he added.

Article 83 of the Constitution addresses the tenure of Members of Parliament. It provides that an MP may lose their seat by writing to the Speaker to resign from their post.

“It has been like rumours, but it’s official now. The session to cross officially is now. My papers have been signed today and I have gone. NRM is where I belong now. I now play football in a yellow jersey. Let’s meet in 2026,” he said.

A surgeon by profession, Dr Kagabo’s troubles with his former party, NUP, began in August 2022 when he attempted to return a sh40 million cash bonanza that he reportedly received as an MP under unclear circumstances.

He was arrested by parliamentary police and handed over to the Inspectorate of Government (IG).

Upon arrest, Kagabo was briefly held in custody, questioned, and the Inspectorate obtained a statement from him along with the sh40 million, which formed part of the evidence.

He was later released on bond pending further investigations. The IG eventually cleared him of any wrongdoing.

He was also compelled to make a public apology in Parliament for what was termed a false accusation that he had received the money from the Speaker of Parliament. The House pardoned him, but the episode left a lasting impact.

Later, Kagabo met with President Museveni and leaders of the Patriotic League of Uganda.

He has maintained that although he was in the opposition, he recognises the achievements of the ruling NRM party.

“I am of sound mind. I cannot agree with you when you say NRM has done nothing in terms of health, education, and other matters. I am an objective person, and I believe in certain ideologies of NUP,” he said.

“The Constitution has never mandated a person to oppose the government. You cannot have a Constitution that provides resources such as cars, offices, and financing to the opposition for the sole purpose of opposing you. The role of the opposition is to provide alternatives,” he added.

Dr Kagabo was born in Kyetume village, Kisekka subcounty, Lwengo district, on August 18, 1979, to the late Salama Namubiru and Hussein Singenga.