NUP ignites movement with election fundraiser
Bobi Wine (left) and Hon. Ronald Balimwezo, the Nakawa East legislator who was appointed Chair of the fundraising drive, at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule during the launch of the fundraising campaign today.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially launched a voluntary fundraising campaign aimed at bolstering its grassroots mobilization and campaign preparedness ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The initiative was unveiled at the party’s headquarters in Kavule, led by party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who kickstarted the campaign with a personal contribution of UGX 10 million.
The fundraising drive, which the party is calling a “people-powered initiative,” seeks to empower NUP’s local structures, campaign teams, and aspiring candidates across Uganda.
The campaign invites contributions from supporters both within the country and in the diaspora, with a strong emphasis on collective participation and citizen ownership of the democratic process.
“We are building a movement that does not rely on a few wealthy individuals, but on the collective support of Ugandans who want change,” Bobi Wine stated. “This campaign is not just about money; it’s about involvement and shared responsibility.”
In a move that sets NUP apart from other political parties, the leadership announced that all aspirants seeking to run on the party’s ticket will be granted free nomination passes. The policy is aimed at reducing financial barriers to political entry and fostering inclusivity, particularly for young and marginalized Ugandans.
Party Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya described the fundraising initiative as a “democratic and transparent model of political mobilization,” and promised regular updates on how funds will be used.
NUP leaders rally behind the fundraising drive
Several top NUP leaders have pledged financial support to the campaign, underscoring their commitment to the party’s electoral goals. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi pledged UGX 20 million, while Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana committed UGX 15 million. Joyce Bagala, the Woman MP for Mityana District, contributed UGX 3 million, and Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi led with a generous pledge of UGX 30 million. Musician and aspiring MP for Nansana, Big Eye, pledged to contribute UGX 1 million. These pledges, all in Uganda Shillings, signal a unified front within the party’s leadership as they prepare for a major political contest in 2026 that they dubbed “protest vote”.
Concerns over transparency and internal party structure
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the launch, some party members have raised concerns about transparency and accountability. Hillary Taylor Seguya, a known activist and self-described “Justice Hunter,” voiced his reservations in a widely shared video, emphasizing the need for internal reforms before mobilizing funds.
“We must know exactly who and what we are funding,” Seguya said, urging the party’s Electoral Management Committee (EMC) to release the full list of NUP flag bearers. “Transparency builds trust in our internal democracy.”
He also called for more structured accountability mechanisms, cautioning that without clear oversight, the fundraising initiative could risk alienating supporters.
Seguya later questioned via his X (formerly Twitter) account why some of the donation appeals were being routed through personal mobile money numbers.
He pressed for clarity and urged the party to consider securing official, traceable accounts through telecom providers like MTN and Airtel to ensure public confidence in the campaign’s financial integrity.
“Who are Ddumba, Runkundo, Elotu, and Tushemererwe? Someone needs to clarify,” Seguya posted. “For transparency and accountability, we should fix this.”
A call for in-kind support and grassroots ownership
Bobi Wine also appealed for non-monetary contributions, including campaign materials like t-shirts, posters, fuel, food, and other logistical support that would facilitate party operations during the campaign trail.
He praised supporters for their unwavering solidarity over the years and encouraged them to continue supporting the cause in whatever ways they can.
“People have supported us with what little they have before. It is this spirit of solidarity that continues to power our struggle,” he said.
To oversee the fundraising drive, the party announced the formation of a dedicated committee to be chaired by Hon. Ronald Balimwezo, Member of Parliament for Nakawa East.
As political momentum for 2026 builds, NUP’s early and participatory mobilization efforts reflect its strategic focus on grassroots empowerment, inclusion, and transparency. However, as internal voices continue to press for reforms, the party’s challenge will be balancing enthusiasm with accountability ensuring the movement stays true to its democratic ideals while organizing for a pivotal electoral contest.
