Kavule, Uganda — April 16, 2025
This morning, members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) led by Party President Robert Kyagulanyi gathered at Kavule to welcome a significant group of new members into the party. Among the newcomers were leaders who previously aligned with other political parties, as well as representatives from cultural institutions across Uganda. The event underscored the growing support for the NUP, as the party continues to expand its base.
During the gathering, NUP leaders, including party officials, used the occasion to publicly condemn recent political maneuvers by the Ugandan government. Specifically, they criticized the alleged 100 million shillings bribe provided to Members of Parliament (MPs) to amend the UPDF Act. The amendment, which aims to reintroduce military courts for the prosecution of civilians, has sparked widespread outrage. The NUP claims that these changes are politically motivated and a direct attack on the Supreme Court’s decision on January 31 to block the prosecution of civilians and opposition figures in military courts.
“These amendments are politically motivated and brought in bad faith with the intention of overturning the Supreme Court’s decision,” said the NUP leadership during their address. “This is a direct attack on the rule of law and an attempt to silence opposition voices.”—Robert Kyagulanyi AKA Bobi Wine
The party also raised concerns about the controversial Parish Development Model (PDM), which allocates 100 million shillings annually to each of Uganda’s 10,717 parishes for poverty alleviation. According to the NUP, this money is given to parishes regardless of population size and is meant to be repaid with a 6% interest rate. However, the NUP argues that this financial support is being misused, as MPs have reportedly received the same amount for personal gain.
“It’s disturbing that while thousands of citizens struggle to share the 100 million shillings in their parishes, a single MP has pocketed the same amount to betray them,” —Bobi Wine.
The NUP praised the more than 70 MPs who have signed a resolution condemning what the party describes as “high treason against the people.” The party now challenges these MPs to take a more vocal stance against the alleged bribe and to distance themselves publicly from the practice.
The NUP also made it clear that any of its members found to have taken part in the alleged bribery will face consequences. “If we get evidence that any of our MPs in NUP took this money, we shall politically deal with you, no matter who you are,” the party warned.
Additionally, the NUP continued to call for the release of hundreds of its members, including prominent figures like Bobi Young, Machete Yasin, and Kalanzi Sharif, who have been in detention for over three months. The party maintains that these individuals are being held in contempt of the Supreme Court’s ruling. The NUP also extended its demand for the unconditional release of individuals from Karamoja who have been detained under similar circumstances.
“As a party, we stand firm in our commitment to justice and the rule of law,” said a senior NUP official. “The government’s actions are unacceptable, and we will continue to fight for the rights of our comrades and the people of Uganda.”
As tensions rise, the NUP remains steadfast in its resolve to hold the regime accountable, with a clear message: the fight for democracy and justice in Uganda is far from over.
This coverage highlights the latest developments involving the NUP, including their stance on key political issues and their call for justice in light of recent events.
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