📸 'We are broke': NUP cries foul as pockets run dry

BUSIA - The National Unity Platform (NUP) says it is struggling to finance its campaign activities after the Government allegedly blocked its funding from Parliament. 

Addressing journalists on Friday ahead of the party’s campaign rallies in Busia district, NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya said the Government’s decision to withhold funds was politically motivated and aimed at crippling the party’s operations.

“We are broke,” Rubongoya said, adding, “The Minister of Justice [and Constitutional Affairs] Norbert Mao cut off the funding that was due to us from Parliament, claiming that NUP is not part of the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).”

Kyagulanyi acknowledged the logistical difficulties affecting his rallies, including poor sound systems and makeshift stages, which he linked to the government’s decision to withhold NUP’s funding. (All Photos by Richard Sanya)

However, NUP had refused to join IPOD since 2021, but continued to receive a significant share of political party funding.

Rubongoya said recent legal amendments brought all registered political parties under the National Consultative Forum (NCF), which oversees IPOD, meaning NUP rightfully qualifies for public funding.

Rubongoya revealed that for nearly six months, NUP has been running its campaign on donations from supporters, which are used to cover fuel, accommodation, and mobilisation costs.

“It’s now close to six months without receiving any funds from the Government,” he said. “Everything we are doing—from fuel to accommodation—is being supported by ordinary Ugandans. That is what is keeping us afloat.”

Peace and discipline

Meanwhile, NUP presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu praised supporters for maintaining discipline and peace during the campaign period, saying it has helped avert confrontations with security forces.

Speaking at the same press conference, Kyagulanyi said the party’s activities have largely proceeded smoothly despite occasional interference by security agencies.

“It has been going well so far. We’ve not had any accidents or attacks from the security forces, save for a few times when we were blocked from main roads and some populated areas,” Kyagulanyi said. 

“Other than that, we are grateful to our team and thank our foot soldiers for maintaining discipline and orderliness.”

“That discipline is the reason there has been no excuse whatsoever to make violence against us,” he said. 

Kyagulanyi acknowledged the logistical difficulties affecting his rallies, including poor sound systems and makeshift stages, which he linked to the government’s decision to withhold NUP’s funding. 

He thanked Ugandans contributing towards the party’s campaign expenses and vowed to maintain momentum across the country.

Kyagulanyi said NUP will continue to pursue legal and moral means to reclaim its funding, but emphasised that financial hardship will not slow their campaign.

When asked whether he was afraid of the mounting challenges, Kyagulanyi responded firmly: “Are we afraid? No,” he said, drawing applause from supporters.

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NUP presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu praised supporters for maintaining discipline and peace during the campaign period, saying it has helped avert confrontations with security forces. (All Photos by Richard Sanya)

NUP supporters head to the second rally of their presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, at Butangasi Playground, off Malio Munane Road.