Uganda’s largest opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), celebrated its five-year anniversary on July 22, 2025. The party, originally launched in 2020 at Kamwokya, now operates from its new offices in Makerere Kavule.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, described the milestone as five years of building a resilient and impactful anti-dictatorship force. Despite facing limited resources, imprisonment, and deaths of members, Kyagulanyi reaffirmed NUP’s commitment to ending oppression in Uganda.
“Our five years have been marked by sacrifice and struggle,” Kyagulanyi said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Yet, we have managed to establish the biggest opposition party headquarters at Makerere Kavule, fully operational regional offices, and a clear plan to continue pushing for liberation.”
Kyagulanyi also acknowledged the continuing human rights violations, including abductions, torture, enforced disappearances, and killings of their comrades. Despite this, he remained determined to build a lasting institution. “We remain committed to building an institution that outlives us,” he added.
Progress, Despite Challenges
Kyagulanyi noted that while NUP has not achieved all its initial goals, the party is in a stronger position than ever before.
“We may not be where we intended to be, but we are in a better place than we started,” he said. “Our eyes are fixed on the ultimate mission: ending dictatorship and building a free, just, and inclusive Uganda.” He added that, “No matter the cost, we press forward.”
He also highlighted NUP’s efforts to improve internal democracy in preparation for the 2026 elections, including adopting a new party constitution. However, Kyagulanyi mentioned that the party still faces bureaucratic delays from some government agencies.
Leadership and Growth
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and MP for Nakawa West, echoed Kyagulanyi’s sentiments. He described the past five years as a journey of transformation, resilience, and leadership growth.
“The past five years have been challenging, but we’ve made great strides,” Ssenyonyi said. “Some thought we wouldn’t last a year, others dismissed us. But by God’s grace, we’re still here, building a movement that reflects the will of the people.”
Ssenyonyi emphasized the party’s focus on nurturing leaders who serve with integrity and purpose. He also expressed optimism about Uganda’s political future.
Funding Hurdles Ahead of 2026
NUP has faced financial challenges, particularly after the 2021 elections. The party overtook the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to become Uganda’s official opposition. It secured 57 parliamentary seats, although some MPs have since distanced themselves from the party.
Now, the party faces a major challenge in self-funding for the 2026 elections. Under the Political Parties and Organisations Act (2005), parties that refuse to join the National Consultative Forum (NCF) or the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) are ineligible for public funding.
NUP rejected engagement with President Museveni’s government through IPOD, citing bad faith. As a result, the party was denied Shs 7.5 billion in public funding.
In response, Justice Minister Norbert Mao instructed the Electoral Commission to withhold funding from parties failing to comply with the new legal requirements.
NUP’s Fundraising Drive
To address this, NUP launched a fundraising campaign aiming to raise Shs 9 billion for party activities and electoral preparations. Leaders stated that the party would rely on grassroots support, diaspora contributions, and private donations to fund its 2026 campaign.
