Former National Unity Platform (NUP) legislator Hon. Twaha Kagabo has formally joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and picked nomination forms to contest for the Bukoto South parliamentary seat under the party’s ticket, marking the latest turn in his dramatic political journey.
Kagabo, who was elected in 2021 on the NUP ticket, fell out with the party after he returned UGX 40 million, claiming it was a bribe from State House, an act that embarrassed the opposition leadership and triggered internal disciplinary action. He was later suspended from NUP parliamentary activities.
Following the fallout, Kagabo joined Dr. Kizza Besigye’s newly-formed People’s Front for Transition (PFT) and later aligned himself with PLU (Platform for the Liberation of Uganda) a political movement also associated with reformist and opposition ideals. His time with PLU, however, was brief and largely symbolic, as he maintained a passive role in national opposition activities.
Over time, Kagabo increasingly distanced himself from the opposition, making frequent appearances at state and NRM-leaning events, signaling his gradual shift. His attendance at the NRM headquarters in Kyadondo on June 4, 2025, and successful submission of expression of interest forms now cements his official defection to the ruling party.
Kagabo joins other high-profile politicians such as Security Minister Jim Muhwezi and MP Hannifa Kawooya, who have also picked forms to contest in the upcoming NRM primaries.
According to the NRM Electoral Commission, over 600 aspirants have expressed interest in MP positions, generating over UGX 1 billion in fees.
The NRM roadmap sets June 2–15 for expressions of interest, June 17–30 for nominations, July 1–14 for campaigns, and July 16 for parliamentary elections. Municipality and city division mayoral elections are set for July 24.
