The political landscape in Teso has taken a new twist after a prominent National Resistance Movement (NRM) mobilizer and Local Council candidate crossed over to the Democratic Front (DF) party led by Nyendo–Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga.
Hon. Oonyu Shef Siasa, who had declared interest in the Kanyum Sub County LC3 chairperson seat in Kumi District on the NRM ticket, officially announced his defection to DF this week.
The move has sent shockwaves across the NRM structures in Teso, where Oonyu has long been regarded as a staunch and vocal mobilizer for the ruling party.
Speaking during his unveiling at a DF-organized community gathering, Oonyu said his decision was guided by “the need for a new political direction that puts people’s interests first.”
“I have been loyal to NRM for many years, but I can no longer ignore the concerns of our people. They are crying out for better service delivery, accountability, and opportunities. I believe the Democratic Front offers that new chapter,” Oonyu said.
Oonyu’s defection is significant because he has played a central role in rallying grassroots support for NRM in Kumi over the years.
He was instrumental in mobilizing voters during the last general elections and had earned a reputation as one of the party’s most trusted foot soldiers in the area.
Local residents in Kanyum Sub County turned up in large numbers to witness the announcement.
Some welcomed his decision, citing frustration with NRM’s internal wrangles and unmet promises.
“NRM has been strong here, but people are now tired of waiting for development that never comes. We see Shef’s move as bold, and maybe this will push leaders to listen to us,” said a resident of Kogil Parish.
Others, however, expressed surprise and disappointment, noting that Oonyu’s exit could weaken NRM’s base ahead of the 2026 elections.
While NRM officials in Kumi have remained tight-lipped, some insiders admitted the defection was a setback.
One local leader, who preferred anonymity, described Oonyu’s departure as “a betrayal,” arguing that the ruling party still has the structures and strength to win in Kanyumu and across Teso.
“Oonyu has been with us for years, and his decision is regrettable. But NRM remains strong, and we are confident that the people of Kanyum know which party has delivered stability and progress,” the source said.
The Democratic Front, under Mathias Mpuuga, has been steadily positioning itself as a new alternative force in Uganda’s political arena.
By attracting seasoned mobilizers like Oonyu, the party hopes to penetrate rural areas and challenge NRM’s dominance in regions like Teso.
DF officials welcomed Oonyu, saying his decision reflects a growing wave of change.
“We are building a movement of truth, justice, and fairness. Leaders like Hon. Oonyu are joining us because they want to be on the right side of history,” said DF Deputy President .
As the 2026 general elections draw closer, defections such as Oonyu’s could reshape political loyalties in Teso.
His candidacy for the Kanyum LC3 seat under DF will likely test the strength of the party’s grassroots appeal and NRM’s resilience in a region once considered firmly yellow.
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