By Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
Kioga County Member of Parliament, Moses Okot P’Bitek, has dismissed media reports suggesting he is planning to defect from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Addressing journalists at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Monday, P’Bitek reaffirmed his commitment to the opposition and described himself as a firm advocate for change in Uganda.
“I am an integral member and an integral part of the opposition bloc in this country. And I am a true advocate of change for this country,” Hon. Okot P’Bitek said.
Previously, several media outlets reported that some opposition MPs from the Lango sub-region were negotiating with the NRM, with P’Bitek allegedly listing conditions for his defection. These included tarmacking the Namasale–Dokolo road, compensating fishermen affected by UPDF operations, and evicting Balalo herdsmen from the region.
However, P’Bitek dismissed the reports as false and politically motivated.
“I have nothing that is enticing to do with the NRM. I have not been there, I will not be there. In fact, I am challenging in years to come for the leadership of this party that I am here in,” Okot P’Bitek maintained.
“So, members of the press, do not be lured, cajoled, or persuaded to carry any information that would, by design or by default, associate me with the National Resistance Movement, or anything that is not opposition.”
His remarks come amidst a wave of defections from the FDC, including at least nine members who joined the newly formed People’s Front for Freedom party – a splinter group of FDC based at Katonga. Others, such as Kilak North MP Anthony Akol and Jonam County MP Emmanuel Ongiertho, have officially crossed over to the NRM.
