By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has spoken out on Yusuf Nsibambi’s defection to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) terming his defection as unmasking a long-running act of political pretense. He made the remarks while speaking to the media in Kampala on February 18, 2026.
Nsibambi, who was the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) whip in Parliament, a few days ago crossed to the ruling party following a controversial meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at Entebbe State House. Though the details of the closed-door talks with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni remain undisclosed, Nsibambi maintains that the discussions were aimed at securing the release and improving the welfare of detained opposition leaders.
In response to Nsibambi’s explaination , Ssenyonyi said the opposition never bought that explanation.
“For a long time, we said he should stop pretending,” Ssenyonyi remarked. He claimed he was engaging president Museveni for the good of the opposition, but it was clear there were personal interests at play.”
Ssenyonyi strongly believes that Nsibambi’s defection could have been motivated by political survival rather than principle, particularly after losing an election alongside several other opposition figures.
“Maybe he needed support, Maybe there are debts to settle and Maybe he is positioning himself for a government appointment like minister of state, RDC, or something else. Whatever it is, at least now the pretense is over,” angry Ssenyonyi said.
Ssenyonyi has also dismissed talks that the opposition has been weakened.
“Opposition to Museveni is not defined by a few leaders in Parliament. It is rooted in the frustrations of ordinary Ugandans — for instance people demanding better services, accountability, and an end to corruption and brutality. That resistance does not disappear because one individual crosses over,” he said.
Ssenyonyi further said Nsibambi is free to make his political choices adding that the opposition remains confident and focused.
