On July 22nd, 2020, during the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, the audacious and fearless former Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine, jolted Uganda’s political landscape by launching the National Unity Platform (NUP). This bold move marked a seismic shift from his previous efforts under the People Power pressure group. In a strategic, covert maneuver, Bobi Wine teamed up with Nkonge Kibalama, seizing leadership of the dormant National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party (NURP) and transforming it into the vibrant NUP.
The NUP quickly upended Uganda’s political scene, becoming a formidable force, particularly in the Central [Buganda] region. Bobi Wine’s presidential campaign under the NUP banner electrified the masses, leading to a landslide of victories for NUP candidates. Today, NUP commands over 50 Members of Parliament and a majority of KCCA councilors. Initially operating from modest offices in Kamwokya, the party now boasts a full-fledged headquarters in Makerere-Kavule.
Despite these impressive achievements, the NUP’s journey has been relentlessly sabotaged by the corrupt Ugandan government. Kibalama and his cohorts have been dragged through endless legal battles, trying to reclaim the party they willingly handed to Bobi Wine and his allies. These incessant lawsuits expose the government’s desperate and cowardly attempts to destabilize and destroy the NUP.
In a testament to its unyielding determination, the NUP, led by its General Secretary, has petitioned the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs to use the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for their fourth-anniversary celebration. Set for July 22nd, 2024, the event themed “Four Years of NUP: The Milestones Reached, the Obstacles Encountered, and a Glance into the Future,” underscores Kololo’s historical significance and the expected large turnout.
This request boldly exposes the government’s hypocrisy and double standards. Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, a public venue, is routinely monopolized by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for various events, including those attended by the despot Museveni himself. The NUP’s insistence on using Kololo, even expressing a willingness to reschedule if necessary, highlights their unwavering commitment to equality and justice. They are ready to comply with any requirements and cover any costs, a stark contrast to the NRM’s blatant entitlement to public resources.
The NUP’s request casts a harsh spotlight on the government’s oppressive and discriminatory practices. Public facilities, funded by taxpayers, are meant to be accessible to all political parties. Yet, in Uganda, the NRM has hijacked these spaces, marginalizing opposition parties and strangling democratic expression. The NUP’s bold demand for fairness underscores the deep-seated corruption and authoritarianism festering within Uganda’s government.
The government’s likely response to this request will lay bare its true nature. If denied, it will serve as yet another glaring example of the regime’s terror of genuine political competition. The NRM, under Museveni’s iron-fisted rule, has systematically dismantled democratic institutions, silenced dissent, and perpetuated a culture of fear and repression. The NUP’s struggle to secure a public venue for its anniversary celebration epitomizes the broader fight for political freedom and justice in Uganda.
The NUP’s tenacity in the face of such brutal adversity is nothing short of heroic. They have relentlessly exposed the government’s corruption and failures, challenging the oppressive status quo and demanding accountability. Their resounding success in the Central region and growing influence nationwide is a testament to the Ugandan people’s desperate yearning for change. Yet, the Ugandan government stubbornly clings to power through deceit, intimidation, and violence.
As the NUP prepares to celebrate its fourth anniversary, it is crucial to reflect on the monumental milestones achieved despite overwhelming odds. They have ignited a new generation of politically conscious Ugandans, championed the cause of democracy, and stood unbowed in the face of relentless persecution. Their journey, marked by trials and tribulations, is a beacon of hope for a better, more just Uganda.
However, this hope is continually threatened by a government that has plunged into moral bankruptcy. The NRM, under Museveni’s tyrannical grip, has twisted Uganda into a dystopian nightmare where dissent is annihilated, freedoms are strangled, and corruption festers. The government’s actions are a grotesque parody of democracy, revealing a regime that prioritizes power over people, oppression over justice.
The NUP’s request to use Kololo Ceremonial Grounds is more than a logistical matter; it is a defiant assertion of their right to exist and operate in a democratic space. It is a direct challenge to the government’s vile tactics and a clarion call to all Ugandans to rise up against tyranny. The response to this request will be a crucial test of the government’s commitment to democratic principles and equality.
Discussion about this post