The National Unity Platform (NUP) has called on its supporters to mobilise and protect their votes ahead of the 2026 general elections, declaring their recent victory in Kawempe North as a sign of things to come.
Speaking at the NUP headquarters, party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu urged members to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in every constituency, saying, "If we want change, we must contest everywhere. We must stand up against dictatorship in every corner of this country."
At the gathering, hundreds of NUP supporters—many visibly injured—shared stories of alleged torture and brutality during last week’s Kawempe North by-election.
Some limped, others leaned on crutches, while others struggled to hold back tears as they recounted their experiences.
"They beat me for simply wearing red," one supporter said, referring to NUP’s party colour.
Despite the sombre atmosphere, spirits lifted when Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, the newly-elected MP for Kawempe North, addressed the crowd.
"This victory is for the people of Kawempe North, and no amount of intimidation will silence us," Nalukoola said.
He then challenged the security forces, adding, "Let them show us the soldiers they keep promoting for torturing Ugandans, and we will train them on what it means to serve the people."
Calls for Accountability from Security Forces
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, also spoke at the event, condemning the security forces for their alleged role in suppressing opposition supporters.
"If security forces are truly sorry for what happened in Kawempe, let them reveal the names of the officers responsible for torturing civilians. Otherwise, their apology is meaningless," Ssenyonyi stated.
Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, did not mince words in his criticism of the government’s handling of opposition politics. He urged party members to begin organizing at the grassroots level to prevent election malpractice in 2026.
"Our victory in Kawempe is just the beginning. We are coming for 2026, and we shall win just as we did here," Kyagulanyi declared.
NUP maintains that the 8,000 votes secured by NRM in the Kawempe North by-election were fraudulent.
NUP Secretary-General Lewis Rubongoya confirmed that the party will challenge the results in court.
"We have evidence that votes were rigged. We will not allow them to steal from the people of Kawempe and go unchallenged," Rubongoya said.
As the party gears up for 2026, Kyagulanyi urged all members to contest for elective positions at all levels.
"We must take the fight to them in every constituency. This is not just about winning elections; it is about liberating Uganda," he said.
NUP remains adamant that the fight for democracy is far from over, with leaders promising to push for electoral reforms and justice for their supporters who have allegedly faced violence and unlawful arrests.