The Democratic Front (DF) has marked a big milestone by achieving a total of five members in Parliament, thanks to the recent defection of Fred Ssimbwa Kaggwa, the MP for Nakifuma County, from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
Ssimbwa’s official unveiling as a DF member took place on October 21, 2025, at the party headquarters in Namirembe, where he was welcomed by DF President Mathias Mpuuga and other party leaders.
During the event, Ssimbwa received a party flag, a symbol of his commitment to retain his current parliamentary seat, which he has held since 2021.
“We have got a new home at the DF, and we are ready to work under the shade of the big tree. We pledge you (DF) outright win because I am the commander number one in Nakifuma, and I will lead my people to victory,” he asserted to enthusiastic party members.
In his address, Ssimbwa expressed his reason for joining the DF, highlighting the party’s emphasis on decent leadership.
“We have joined the DF because it practices decent leadership, which is not divisive and riddled with abusing and blackmailing each other,” he added, clearly setting the tone for a proactive and supportive environment.
President Mpuuga warmly welcomed Ssimbwa, encouraging the people of Nakifuma to reject governance based on phony excitement.
“Tell our people in Nakifuma to shun rootless governance based on excitement, and we should be able to build afresh amid respecting and hearing from each other and with ideas. The good thing is you have a devoted leader,” he stated.
Mpuuga also emphasized the swift growth of the DF, noting, “DF is just a five-month party, and it has five MPs now. Is that a joking party? It shows that it grows faster. Go, and build it more.”
He described Ssimbwa’s acceptance to join the DF as a testament to his decisive leadership trait who is ready to strengthen the push for effective approach to governance and teamwork.
The DF has not only gained a new member but has also seen other MPs transition from NUP to its ranks.
Ssimbwa is the latest in a line of defections, utilizing article 83(a) of the 1995 Constitution, which permits MPs to switch parties within 12 months before the term ends.
Four other MPs; Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe), Micheal Mbwatekamwa (Ntebbe Municipality), Kakande Juliet Nakabuye (Masaka City Woman MP), and Dr. Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonera), made similar moves to the DF in June 2025.
With this latest defection, the DF’s influence and appeal among the populace is obviously getting stronger amid gearing up for the 2026 elections, entering the political fray with five incumbent MPs ready to campaign for continued representation.
