NUP 2026 election campaign coffers hit sh604m

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The National Unity Platform (NUP) party says it has raised shillings 604 million in donations in the past three weeks of its fundraising campaign for the 2026 general election.

Kiboga district Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Christine Nakimwero, who is the party’s fundraising secretary, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, made the revelations while giving an update on the drive that started on July 7, 2025.

“On the first day of the campaign, we received pledges of over shillings 1.135 billion. As we speak now, we have got 604 million in cash. Thank you so much,” she told a gathering at the party headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, Kampala.

▪️ Mayors, MPs seeking 2026 election party flags rush to fulfil NUP fundraising pledges

NUP supporters lining up to pay their contributions at Makerere Kavule in Kampala. (File photo)

NUP, which is the main Opposition party, is targeting shillings nine billion to bankroll its campaign activities for next year’s general election.

When the campaign was officially launched by NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi donated shillings 20 million.

Kyagulanyi contributed shillings 10 million as several ordinary party members were seen reaching into their wallets to support.

However, there were reports that some of those seeking elective positions might have donated publicly to boost their chances of getting the party flag.

Analysts say running a top political party costs huge sums of money, particularly in the build-up to the general elections.

“As we approach the 2026 election, we shall need resources to campaign, support our candidates and run many activities,” Kyagulanyi said on X, formerly Twitter, while appealing for funds on July 6, 2025.

He claimed that over the past few years, many people had reached out, asking how they could contribute financially and be part of their campaign to “save motherland”.

“Our answer has always been that we would do that at an opportune time when there is great need,” he added.

Source of money

Leading presidential candidates have to spend billions to run for Uganda’s top seat every election cycle. So, where does all that money come from?

Financing of political parties is regulated by the Political Parties and Organisations Act (PPOA), whereas rules on financing of campaigns for presidential elections are laid down in the Presidential Elections Act (PEA).

Political parties represented in Parliament receive budget funding on the basis of their numeric strength in the House. Consequently, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party receives most of the budget funds, which are deposited to the parties’ headquarters.

Parties can spend these funds on their regular activities, on campaigns, or they can transfer them to local offices or candidates without limitations.

They are also allowed to raise money for their activities through collecting membership subscription fees and the purchase of their paraphernalia. They can also collect unlimited donations from individuals and private legal entities.

However, foreign donations to political parties are limited by legislation. The total amount of donations to a political party from abroad cannot exceed shillings 400 million in a period not exceeding 12 months.

Some parties get funds from parties in the UK and the US that are linked to them, such as the Labour Party, Conservative Party, Democratic Party and Republican Party to finance their campaign activities.

However, foreign donations are widespread and remain largely unreported.