Leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP) have called for unity and discipline among party members as the country heads into the 2026 general elections, following recent internal disputes that have raised concerns about cohesion within the opposition party.
This appeal comes in the wake of mounting wrangles within NUP, with some members accusing others of making unilateral decisions that allegedly do not align with the party’s agenda.
The latest fallout was sparked by a viral social media video released by former Kawempe South MP, Latif Ssebaggala, in which he accused Fred Nyanzi a founding member of the party and brother to NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of behaving like a “supreme leader” who determines who is eligible to receive a party card.
In a separate scuffle, Fred Nyanzi fired back, accusing his rival Roy Ssembogga, with whom he is reportedly contesting for the same position, of being a state agent planted to disrupt the party from within.
Amid the growing tensions, senior NUP leaders are urging members to prioritize party unity over personal ambitions.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing at the party’s offices in Kavule, the NUP Deputy President for Central Region, Muwanga Kivumbi, called for calm and collective focus as the party prepares for primary elections.
“Even as we go into competitive primaries, let us not lose sight of the fact that we are one family. We are NUP,” Kivumbi said.
“You are a member of NUP before you support any candidate,” he added.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, echoed the message, warning members against being influenced by external forces seeking to sow discord within the party.
“There are many attacks on NUP. My appeal is that we stay focused and not get diverted by these smaller groups trying to weaken us,” Ssenyonyi said.
In a move to strengthen the party’s financial preparedness ahead of the 2026 elections, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya announced the launch of a nationwide fundraising campaign starting Monday.
“Campaigns are expensive, but support is voluntary. We are officially beginning our fundraising drive next week,” Rubongoya stated.
Meanwhile, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, called on all supporters to stay united and vigilant against state tactics aimed at weakening the opposition.
“As we approach 2026, the regime is scared. They know the ghetto is awake. Stay united. Stay focused. We are on the right side of history,” he said.
The call for unity comes at a critical time when the party is gearing up for what it expects to be a highly contested election season.
NUP leaders insist that maintaining internal cohesion will be key to successfully challenging the ruling regime at the polls.
