The National Unity Platform (NUP) has launched a Vote Protection Unit (VPU) in the Busoga subregion as part of its nationwide strategy to safeguard votes in the 2026 general elections.
The initiative, following a directive from NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, is aimed at ensuring electoral integrity and protecting party candidates throughout the campaign period.
At the NUP regional offices in Jinja City, party supporters turned up in large numbers to register for the newly formed unit, which will be responsible for monitoring the electoral process, countering voter fraud, and responding to threats against NUP candidates.
Speaking at the launch, Andrew Muwanguzi, NUP’s Head of Training and Ideology, emphasized the importance of the unit in protecting both party members and votes.
“The Vote Protection Unit will be pivotal in ensuring our candidates are not intimidated or attacked by regime agents. Our members are ready to stand firm and safeguard the democratic will of the people,” Muwanguzi stated.
Many of those who registered pledged to work voluntarily, stressing their commitment to preventing electoral malpractice.
While addressing the media at the party headquarters on Monday, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu directed party leaders across the country to form vigilant groups, referred to as “eggaali,” to protect candidates and safeguard votes.
“You saw what happened in the Kawempe by-election, where goons attacked polling stations and destroyed polling materials. We anticipate similar scenarios in the 2026 general elections, so we need vigilant groups to protect our candidates and votes,” Kyagulanyi said.
He instructed party leaders to form these groups in different constituencies nationwide.
Meanwhile, NUP leaders used the event to condemn the continued abductions of party supporters, allegedly carried out by security agencies. They called for immediate justice for their missing colleagues, accusing the government of political repression.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, the formation of such units has sparked debate over electoral security, with concerns about potential confrontations between political groups and state authorities.
The Electoral Commission and security agencies have yet to respond to NUP’s latest move.