Nsibambi joins NRM as S5 selection and HIV awareness begin

18 February 2026, 2:29 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following his defeat to NRM’s Susan Nakawuki in the recent general elections, Yusuf Nsibambi of the FDC party has officially joined the ruling NRM party.

Nsibambi was welcomed by NRM Secretary General Richard Twondong and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who expressed their delight at his decision and encouraged others to consider joining the party.

“When I spoke with President Museveni, I realised he is a good person who listens to everyone. That is not what I experienced in the opposition. About 150 of my supporters are ready to join NRM. They are tired of conflicts and want dialogue,” Nsibambi said.

His move has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who argued that he acted without approval from FDC officials. Nsibambi defended his actions, saying the meeting with the President was necessary and that he does not regret it. Former Kawempe MP Latif Sebagala also supported the meeting, describing it as important for dialogue.

In education news, the Ministry of Education and Sports today launched the Senior Five National Selection Exercise at UMA Multipurpose Hall, Kampala. Heads of schools, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, and other officials attended. Most headteachers indicated they would admit all learners who passed, while some schools said they would only admit learners with As and Bs to maintain academic standards.

The ministry confirmed that the official term one commencement for Senior Five learners will be 5 March 2026.

On health matters, the Uganda AIDS Commission met with leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from across the country to discuss strategies for delivering HIV prevention messages to congregants. Church leaders attending the Kampala meeting acknowledged their role and pledged to collaborate with the commission in the fight against the disease.