David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has reiterated the party’s steadfast commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and evidence-based decision-making despite political pressure and public scrutiny ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking on NBS Frontline on Thursday, Rubongoya addressed concerns over party primaries, internal complaints, and the broader political climate, emphasizing that movement between political parties is natural in a democratic space, particularly for individuals dissatisfied with primary outcomes.
“It is expected for people to move to other political parties after they have been denied party cards. We expected complaints and wild accusations. We are evidence-based and will not act based on wild accusations. Once evidence is provided, we take swift action,” he said.
Rubongoya dismissed claims that some individuals hold protected positions within NUP, stressing that all members seeking positions undergo equal scrutiny and competitive processes.
“No one should mislead the public and say that some people are untouchable. In NUP, we don't ring-fence positions. We subjected everyone to the process. If we put a system in place, we must follow it,” he said.
He further revealed that while the party continues to expand its presence nationally, security concerns and political interference have required strategic caution.
“You've seen us launch our offices across the country, but we have had to do that stealthily because once the regime finds out, they frustrate the process,” Rubongoya explained.
Despite external pressures, he highlighted NUP’s success in ensuring broad representation across Uganda, noting that many candidates faced obstacles in the nomination process due to “flimsy reasons,” but the party has continued to uphold its internal democratic procedures.
