Speaker Anita Among has said she is committed to spearheading dialogue with opposition leaders to foster harmony and improve working relations with the government.
Among said efforts would be made to engage opposition politicians, particularly those currently in detention, with a view to resolving what she described as politically driven tensions.
“We shall attempt to have a dialogue with opposition politicians, more so those who are currently in jail, to see how they can get out, especially if the charges against them are trivial in nature,” she said.
Among made the remarks while announcing that 10 newly elected independent Members of Parliament had formally joined the NRM under what she described as a cooperation arrangement.
Those who have joined the ruling party include Rose Mutonyi, MP for Manafwa District, Mercy Kanyesigye, the Female Youth MP, and Ochomu Esther Celele, among others.
Among confirmed that 10 MPs had so far signed up under the arrangement and said the party was open to welcoming more independents.
“We are pleased as a party to have these leaders join the NRM for the good of our country,” she said. “We shall go an extra mile, if possible, to bring on board members of the opposition who have the goodwill to work with us.”
Meanwhile, the NRM Director of Legal Affairs, Enoch Barata, explained the process the party uses to encourage independent MPs to collaborate with it without compelling them to formally cross to the ruling party.
Barata said the cooperation framework allows independent legislators to work with the NRM on agreed policy positions while retaining their elected status, adding that the arrangement is voluntary and guided by party procedures.
