The National Unity Platform (NUP) has raised nearly Shs1 billion in a single day as it kicked off its nationwide fundraising drive ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The remarkable fundraising effort, launched on Monday at the party’s headquarters in Makerere Kavule, highlights the growing financial support for Uganda’s leading opposition party as it braces for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral contest.
NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, led the launch with a passionate appeal for public contributions, warning that the party’s financial situation remained dire.
“We don’t have a single coin in our coffers. The little money we had was spent on printing campaign posters,” Kyagulanyi said. “Even my own nomination as flag bearer is hanging in the balance.”
He also criticized the Political Parties and Organizations Act, saying it unfairly ties government funding to political compliance—a condition NUP says it cannot accept.
“We cannot take money that comes with strings attached from the same regime we are seeking to replace,” he added.
Despite these challenges, the fundraising drive exceeded expectations on its first day. Party officials, MPs, aspiring candidates, and supporters collectively contributed nearly Shs1 billion by close of day.
Kyagulanyi led by example, donating Shs10 million through a personal cheque. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi pledged Shs20 million, underscoring the seriousness with which NUP leaders are approaching the 2026 campaign.
While the milestone was celebrated, NUP officials stressed that the campaign still requires significantly more funding.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya noted that the 2026 race would likely be even more costly than the 2021 election.
“We are going to need more money than we did in 2021,” Rubongoya said. “And we are starting this journey without the kind of financial backing that other political parties receive.”
He cited a 2021 survey by the Alliance for Finance Monitoring, which estimated that over Shs3 trillion was spent across all candidates during the previous elections. According to the report, President Museveni’s campaign alone reportedly spent about Shs900 billion, compared to NUP’s Shs3 billion campaign budget.
To sustain the momentum, Kyagulanyi announced the formation of a three-member fundraising committee to lead financial mobilization efforts, calling on Ugandans at home and abroad to support the cause.
“This is not just our campaign; it’s the people’s struggle,” he said. “If you believe in change, we need your help.”
