The Ugandan Parliament recently announced Hajji Yusuf Nsibambi, Member of Parliament for Mawokota South, as the new Chief Whip of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, replacing Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality.
Initially, Nsibambi faced resistance as some parliamentarians, including the House Speaker RT. Hon. Annet Anita Among, argued that his election was illegitimate, raising questions and concerns.
A significant portion of the opposition members were surprised by Nsibambi’s appointment and labeled him a traitor. During a controversial meeting, the opposition criticized the deputy speaker and the internal security minister for alleged excessive torture, oppression, and widespread arrests of both themselves and their supporters.
In an exclusive interview with Central Broadcasting Service, Yusuf Nsibambi clarified that his name had already been listed on the parliament’s ‘Order Paper’ through the business committee, which had representatives from both the government and the opposition. He emphasized that if they had not wanted his name on the order paper, they could have removed it.
“We entered politics as mature individuals, driven by the desire to serve our people rather than create drama in politics. Even Asuman Basalirwa, with only one MP in parliament, represents his party. How about FDC with over 31 MPs?” Nsibambi stated.
He added that he was not there to cater to the socialites of Kampala and Wakiso, who frequently abuse him on social media. Nsibambi stressed that his constituents are more concerned with his actions and the services he provides to them, rather than engaging with online troublemakers.
“In my constituency, only three people own smartphones and seven have flat-screen televisions. They are interested in what I do to better their lives and develop the constituency,” Nsibambi explained.
He expressed his belief that the FDC party would regroup and regain momentum. However, NRM members of Parliament celebrated Nsibambi’s appointment, advocating for him to be rewarded with a ministerial position. This suggestion raised tension, mistrust, and suspicion from the opposition.
Nsibambi expressed his commitment to working effectively with both NRM and opposition members during his tenure. The Najjanakumbi faction, led by General Secretary Nathan Nandala Mafabi and the current FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi, played a pivotal role in endorsing Yusuf Nsibambi’s entry into Parliament to replace Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who belongs to the Katonga FDC faction.