The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza.
Akifeza secured the district seat last month as an independent candidate in a closely contested by-election held to replace the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who passed away in September this year.
Akifeza’s delegation, led by Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua and a group of Kisoro legislators, was warmly received by NRM Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja Nsereko.
Following the MoU signing, Namayanja congratulated Akifeza on her victory and welcomed her to the party.
“I appreciate you for choosing to associate with the party. Signing an MoU with the NRM grants you all the privileges and opportunities enjoyed by NRM members, allowing you to participate fully in all party activities,” Namayanja said.
The Deputy Secretary General emphasized that the agreement with Ngabirano aligns with similar arrangements previously made with independent Members of Parliament who opted to cooperate with the NRM to advance the party’s manifesto.
“While we have signed this MoU with Ngabirano, Rose Kabagyeni remains the party’s official flag bearer until the next party primaries, where a new flag bearer will be selected,” Namayanja clarified, adding that the party has also entered into similar agreements with independent LC5 chairpersons across various regions of the country.
Namayanja further revealed that the NRM is finalizing the digitization of its party register, a process currently ongoing at multiple stations nationwide.
Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua noted that, after exercising her constitutional rights and consulting with the people of Kisoro, Ngabirano made the decision to associate herself with the NRM party.
“As Chairperson of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, I introduce to you Hon. Ngabirano, an independent candidate who has chosen to work with the NRM. According to the law, she can associate with the NRM without officially joining, but she will still enjoy all benefits accorded to party members,” Obua explained.
Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza expressed gratitude to her supporters for trusting her to represent them in Parliament. She also shared her eagerness to join forces with the ruling party.
“I have long awaited this moment. I feel like a lost child who has now returned home. It has been unsettling to remain apart from the family I grew up knowing, but I am overjoyed to be back where I belong,” Ngabirano said.
She concluded by expressing appreciation to the NRM for welcoming her back, adding, “I am truly grateful to the NRM for allowing me to return and reconnect with the party.”
