Former FDC legal secretary Moses Okot Bitek defects to NRM

[Da Dona]

Former Kioga County Member of Parliament and one-time national legal secretary of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Moses Junior Okot Bitek, has crossed to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Okot formally abandoned the FDC on Saturday and was received at the NRM party headquarters in Kampala by Secretary General Richard Todwong. He was accompanied by a delegation of former FDC members, including district leaders and former political contestants from Amolatar District who also joined the ruling party.

The delegation was accompanied by Amolatar NRM District Chairman Kamilo Olwit and members of the district executive committee.

Okot's mother, Kelle Akuno, an elder in Amolatar District, was also present. She welcomed her son's decision and thanked party members who had supported his political transition, saying her continued advice and guidance had encouraged him to consider the benefits of working with government.

Todwong said Okot's decision followed extended discussions and welcomed his move to the NRM.
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“I’m extremely happy that today you have gained the courage to march with your troops to the party headquarters,” Todwong said.​

He assured Okot and the other new members that they would enjoy the same rights and opportunities as long-standing NRM members. He also said Okot would be formally registered as a party member and would be free to participate in party activities and seek elective office.

Todwong said the NRM has historically welcomed people from different political backgrounds, arguing that former political opponents can work together in the interest of national development.
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“You never know, your one-time potential ally could have been a one-time adversary, so you have to work together,” he said.​

He urged Okot to use his political experience and skills to contribute to the development of his constituents, saying leadership must adapt to changing community needs.

Todwong also called on opposition politicians to consider working within government structures, citing what he described as NRM-led expansion in education, healthcare, roads, electricity and local government services.
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“It’s very difficult to oppose when the government is doing everything,” he said.​

Okot, who previously chaired the FDC Makerere University chapter before becoming the party’s national legal secretary, said his decision marked a significant shift after years in opposition.

Speaking at the reception, he said he had joined the NRM to learn from its experienced leaders while contributing the skills he acquired during his time in opposition.
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“I have come to learn from the best, like the Secretary General and sober people in the NRM,” he said.​

Okot added that his experience in the 11th Parliament had convinced him that some challenges facing his constituents could be addressed more effectively from within government. He also called on former political opponents to put aside past disagreements and focus on nation-building.

Amolatar NRM Chairman Kamilo Olwit welcomed Okot and the other new members, assuring them of equal treatment within the party.
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“This party is for everybody. Let no one abuse you. This is your party,” Olwit said.​

Okot's political career suffered a setback in the January 2026 General Election when he lost the Kioga County parliamentary seat to Colline Angwech of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC).

His move to the NRM now marks a major political shift for a former senior official of the opposition FDC.​