Katuntu Denies Joining NRM Despite Close Collaboration

Bugweri County MP, Abdu Katuntu, has publicly denied reports suggesting he has officially joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), clarifying that while he works closely with the party, he remains an independent member of parliament.

Katuntu’s response comes after The Observer reported that President Yoweri Museveni informed NRM MPs that both Katuntu and Ojara Mapenduzi, MP for Bardege-Layibi, had joined the party. In a closed-door meeting, Museveni referred to Katuntu as someone who had “seen the light,” despite previously labeling him a “poisonous mushroom” in 2005.

Addressing the reports, Katuntu admitted to collaborating with the NRM but explained that under current Ugandan law, he cannot officially cross over to another party until one year before the end of his term.

“You can’t join any other party before six months to the end of your term unless you’re prepared to lose your seat,” Katuntu said.

While speaking on Capital Gang, a popular political talk show, Lydia Wanyoto, chairperson of the NRM Women’s League, congratulated Katuntu and Mapenduzi for allegedly joining the NRM. She welcomed their “value addition” to the party, further fueling speculation.

Katuntu, however, used the same platform to set the record straight. “If you are a beautiful girl in the village, everyone would wish to have you, but you eventually make a choice,” he remarked, emphasizing that no formal decision has been made regarding his political future.

Katuntu acknowledged that many of his current positions, such as chair of a parliamentary committee and member of the Pan-African Parliament, were facilitated by the NRM, but maintained his independence. “I work with them for parliamentary business, and I have no apologies,” he stated.

Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda argued that Katuntu’s close collaboration with the NRM suggests he has effectively joined the party. He noted that Museveni’s comments about Katuntu “seeing the light” imply a significant shift in the MP’s political alignment.

Ssemujju concluded, “That transformation would naturally lead anyone to draw the conclusion that he has joined the NRM.” Despite this, Katuntu remains adamant that his collaboration does not equate to formal membership.