Speaker Anita Among has invited independent MPs who have expressed interest in working with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to attend a leadership retreat in Kyankwanzi.
Among, who is also the NRM’s second national vice chairperson, made the announcement while addressing journalists during a meeting with some independent MPs at the party headquarters on Kyadondo Road in Kampala.
The retreat will be hosted at National Leadership Training Institute in Kyankwanzi from April 7 to April 14.
“As the second national vice chairperson of the ruling party, I am glad to welcome these independents who have expressed interest in working with us. They will join their NRM counterparts in Kyankwanzi,” she said.
Among said 62 out of the 69 independent MPs elected in the last general election had already indicated willingness to cooperate with the NRM.
She pledged to work with them and ensure they are assigned responsibilities that enable them to serve their constituents effectively. She added that all interested independents would be formally received in her office.
The speaker said the MPs would sign a memorandum of understanding with the party, after which the process would be handled by the NRM director of legal services, Enoch Barata.
Barata welcomed the move, saying the agreement would guide cooperation between the independents and the party while supporting development in their constituencies.
“This memorandum of understanding will help members work together to achieve progress for their communities,” he said.
The NRM director for communication, Emmanuel Dombo, described the party as inclusive, saying it accommodates differing views and welcomes cooperation.
“We are a unique political organisation that brings people together, even those who may not fully agree with us. This cooperation is welcome,” Dombo said.
Some of the independent MPs who attended the meeting expressed support for the arrangement.
Phyllis Chemutai, the Kapchorwa district woman MP, said she was pleased to renew cooperation with the ruling party after contesting as an independent candidate. She said the partnership would improve service delivery in her district.
Charles Ngabirano, the MP for Rwampara East, said working with the party in government would make it easier to deliver services to his constituents.
Eddie Kwizera, the MP for Bufumbira East, said collaboration with the ruling party was necessary given its control over government resources and budget implementation.
“Parliament passes the budget, but implementation is largely controlled by the ruling party. This cooperation will help us deliver for our people,” he said.
Other MPs present included Wamakuyu Mudimi of Elgon North and Silas Aogon of Kumi municipality.
