The National Unity Platform (NUP) has marked six years since its formation, with party leaders reflecting on what they describe as a challenging journey defined by resilience, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to their cause.
Speaking during the anniversary celebrations, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said the party’s journey has not been easy but credited God and its supporters for sustaining the movement through difficult times.
Rubongoya described the six-year milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the party’s struggles while looking ahead with renewed determination.
“Ebenezer, thus far the Lord has brought us. It has been a very difficult journey, but because we are here today, we say the Lord has brought us this far. This is just the beginning,” Rubongoya said.
He thanked NUP leaders, Members of Parliament, supporters and grassroots mobilisers for their role in strengthening the party, particularly during election campaigns.
Rubongoya also paid tribute to the party’s grassroots supporters, commonly known as “foot soldiers,” saying their sacrifice and commitment have been instrumental in sustaining the movement.
Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, said the party would not be deterred by arrests, intimidation or other challenges faced by its members and supporters.
“They may arrest us, imprison us, or even sentence us to life imprisonment, but we shall not give up. We have endured intimidation, violence and persecution, yet we remain determined,” Ssenyonyi said.
He added that despite accusations levelled against the party and its members, NUP remains committed to what it believes is a struggle for truth, justice and democratic governance.
During the celebrations, NUP Deputy President for the Western Region, Jacklyn Jolly Tukamushaba, said the movement has continued to gain support across the country despite perceptions that some regions remain strongholds of other political parties.
She argued that some Ugandans are unable to openly express their political affiliation due to fear and concerns about their livelihoods.
“We may appear to be few in number, but I want to assure you that we are not. There are people who publicly portray themselves as supporters of the NRM, but deep in their hearts they know they belong to the National Unity Platform,” Tukamushaba said.
She urged party supporters to remain united and continue expanding the movement by mobilising more people to join.
“Let us remain united. It will be much easier for us to achieve our goals if we stand together as one. They may think they can defeat or eliminate us, but they are mistaken,” she added.
The anniversary comes as NUP reflects on six years since its formation as a political party, following the transformation of the People Power Movement into the National Unity Platform in July 2020.
