"They Gave Us 10k Each To Dress In the NRM T-Shirts" NUP Defectors Who Met With Museveni Allegedly Tells

Fresh political drama has erupted after a group of alleged NUP converts, who were paraded before President Museveni as new members of the ruling NRM, claimed that they were only paid Shs10,000 each to wear the yellow party T-shirts. The shocking revelation has left many Ugandans questioning the authenticity of such defections.

According to the alleged converts, they were approached by mobilizers who promised them small money in exchange for wearing the NRM-branded shirts. Once dressed, they were paraded as “fresh defectors” who had abandoned the National Unity Platform (NUP) for the ruling party.

One of the alleged defectors reportedly said, “We were given 10k to put on the NRM T-shirts. That’s all. They just wanted us to look like new supporters of the party.” This statement has since spread quickly on social media, sparking heated debates.

The revelation has raised eyebrows among political analysts, who believe that such practices, if true, cast doubt on the sincerity of some of the political defections being showcased ahead of the 2026 general elections. They argue that it reduces politics to mere showmanship rather than genuine conviction.

Within NUP circles, members have laughed off the incident, saying it only proves that the ruling party is desperate to portray itself as more popular than it truly is. Some opposition supporters claim that the ruling party has lost genuine grassroots support and is instead relying on paid theatrics.

On the other hand, NRM loyalists have dismissed the claims, insisting that their party continues to attract supporters nationwide due to its achievements and programs. They argue that the defectors’ statements could be propaganda aimed at tarnishing the ruling party’s image.

Political observers note that this is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. Over the years, there have been reports of people being hired or paid small sums to appear at rallies or wear party colors to inflate numbers. However, this latest claim has reignited the debate as Uganda moves closer to the 2026 elections.

The hashtag #UgDecides2026 has since gained traction online, with many Ugandans sharing their views on whether money is undermining genuine political participation. Critics say that such acts, if not addressed, erode trust in the democratic process.

Meanwhile, the alleged defectors insist that they never abandoned NUP in principle. They maintain that it was simply “a business deal” where they received cash in exchange for creating a false impression. This, they say, should serve as a warning to the public not to believe everything they see in politics.

As the country prepares for another heated election season, the incident highlights the deep mistrust between Uganda’s political camps. Whether the claims are true or not, they have sparked an important conversation about integrity, manipulation, and the role of money in Ugandan politics.