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Independent MPs Sign Cooperation Agreement
Kampala, Uganda | URN | The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has further consolidated its influence in the 12th Parliament after dozens of Independent Members of Parliament signed a cooperation agreement allowing them to work closely with the ruling party.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on Thursday, permits the Independent legislators to attend NRM parliamentary caucus meetings, support government business on the floor of Parliament and collaborate in implementing the ruling party’s 2026-2031 manifesto.
Although NRM leaders insisted the arrangement does not amount to a formal defection, it effectively brings the Independent MPs into the party’s parliamentary coordination framework, strengthening the government’s ability to mobilise support for legislation, budgets and other policy priorities.
The agreement was overseen by the NRM Director of Legal Services, Enoch Barata, and witnessed by the party’s Deputy Secretary General, Rose Namayanja Nsereko, and National Treasurer, Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo.
NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja said the Memorandum of Understanding formalises a working relationship that began shortly after the 2026 General Elections, when many Independent Members of Parliament approached the NRM leadership seeking structured cooperation with the government.
She explained that the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in implementing the NRM’s 2026-2031 manifesto, requiring the legislators to support government positions in Parliament, participate in NRM caucus and party activities, and continue performing their constitutional responsibilities as Members of Parliament. Namayanja argued that many of the Independent legislators remained politically aligned with President Yoweri Museveni despite contesting as Independents.
“Many of you contested as Independents, but you campaigned alongside President Museveni and contributed to the 71 per cent mandate he received. We are proud of that achievement.”
She described the agreement as part of an established political practice, noting that similar cooperation arrangements had been signed with Independent MPs in previous parliaments. NRM National Treasurer Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo emphasised that the legislators had not abandoned their independent status.
Government Chief Whip Dr Jane Ruth Aceng welcomed the legislators, saying their inclusion would improve coordination between Parliament and the Executive. She said the Independent MPs would participate in NRM caucus meetings and support government positions on Bills, motions and other parliamentary business.
“As Government Chief Whip, I welcome them and look forward to working together in promoting unity, discipline and effective coordination in Parliament to ensure better service delivery to the population,” Aceng said.
Speaking on behalf of the Independent legislators, Rwampara East MP Charles Ngabirano said the decision was driven by the need to ensure constituents benefit from government programmes.
“Political parties contest elections based on their manifestos, and Ugandans chose the NRM manifesto. As Independent Members of Parliament, our responsibility is to ensure our people benefit from its implementation,” he said.
Ngabirano added that many of the signatories had previously belonged to the NRM but contested as Independents after losing the party’s primary elections.
Enoch Barata, the NRM Director of Legal Services, said every legislator signed the agreement voluntarily after fully understanding its provisions.
“Nobody has been enticed with rewards or coerced to associate with us,” Barata said, adding that the legal team ensured each signatory understood the terms before appending their signature.
Governance expert Timothy Msobor Chemonges of the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) observed that while parliamentary caucuses are political in nature, they have become increasingly influential in shaping legislative positions before matters reach the House.
Uganda’s Constitution permits candidates to contest elections as Independents under Article 72, while Article 79 mandates Members of Parliament to legislate, represent their constituents and exercise oversight over the Executive in the national interest.
Following the 2026 General Elections, the 12th Parliament comprises 549 active members, including 359 legislators aligned to the NRM, 77 opposition MPs and 63 Independents. The remaining seats are occupied by representatives of special interest groups, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and ex officio members.
