By Aggrey BabaSpeaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has praised Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi as a brilliant young man, defending him after his former political party, FDC dropped him as Party Whip for crossing to NRM. The change was announced in Parliament, where Nsibambi was replaced by Soroti Woman MP Ann Adeke. But even as some Opposition MPs questioned his move, Among dismissed claims that the 61-year-old MP was confused. Instead, she described him as a strong and experienced leader, now joining the NRM at a time when the party is looking to strengthen its ranks. Nsibambi’s move to the NRM earlier this year was seen by many as a major political shift. A long-time Opposition figure and former FDC Deputy President for Central Region, his decision to cross over has since been described as the ruling party landing a big fish from the Opposition. Among herself personally led him to Kyadondo, welcoming him into the party and describing him as a knowledgeable and resourceful leader. “As a party, we have got a strong and experienced person in Nsibambi, she said as Nsibambi was being unveiled. For his part, Nsibambi said his decision was based on what he has seen and experienced over time, saying he now believes in working with a team that can deliver for the country. “I am ready to join the struggle for peace. I am ready to be given any task to serve our people,” he said. The Mawokota South outgoing MP has recently been engaging President Museveni on national issues, including calls to address concerns of people detained after election unrest, insisting that his engagement is not about personal benefit, but about finding solutions. His shift comes at a time when the NRM is keen on bringing more experienced leaders on board, especially those with deep political networks and understanding of the country’s challenges. While the Opposition has moved to replace him and reorganize, Nsibambi’s entry into the yellow camp is being seen by many as a strategic boost (bringing in a seasoned politician who knows both sides of Uganda’s political divide). (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).