By; Innocent B Natukunda Rutekanga
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has, since its formation, stood as a strong voice for millions of Ugandans who have long yearned for liberation, dignity, and justice. It is not just a political party; it is a movement born of sacrifice, resilience, and the unshakable dream of a Uganda where the people, not dictators, hold power. NUP’s identity has always been tied to the struggle—the struggle for freedom, the struggle for truth, the struggle for genuine change. It was never meant to be reduced to a mere platform for personal ambitions or a conveyor belt for political positions. Yet, as we enter a critical stage of Uganda’s political journey, there are growing concerns that some among us view the NUP ticket as nothing more than a tool for selfish advancement.
We must be clear about one thing: anyone whose loyalty to NUP is based solely on securing a party ticket is unfit for this struggle. Their cause is not our cause, and their vision is not our vision. Such individuals have not come to serve the people but to serve themselves. They see NUP as a vehicle to access the privileges of office—the hefty salaries, the allowances, the comfort that comes with being in a position of influence. But NUP was not built for that. NUP was built on the sacrifices of Ugandans who were tear-gassed, brutalized, detained, and in some cases, killed—not so that a few opportunists could climb into office, but so that Uganda could finally breathe freedom.
The history of NUP is written in the sweat and blood of ordinary citizens. We remember the young men and women abducted from their homes and locked away in unknown prisons, simply for wearing red berets. We remember the mothers who continue to weep for their sons who never returned after campaign rallies. We remember those killed on Kampala’s streets in November 2020 when security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters. We remember comrades who live in exile because standing with the people became a crime in Uganda. We remember the countless young Ugandans who lost jobs, businesses, and opportunities because they were identified with People Power. These sacrifices remind us that the NUP ticket cannot and must not be treated as a mere steppingstone to personal gain.
The NUP ticket is not a trophy to be chased after with desperation. It is not a shortcut to wealth. It is a responsibility, a covenant with the people. Those who bear it must understand that it represents more than personal ambition—it represents the blood, sweat, and tears of Ugandans who have suffered under dictatorship. The ultimate goal of the struggle is not about securing comfortable seats in Parliament or local government. The ultimate goal is taking power, forming a people’s government, and transforming Uganda into a nation where opportunity, justice, and dignity belong to all.
As NUP grows, each of us must pause and reflect on our true commitment to the cause. Why are we here? Are we here to serve, or are we here to be served? Are we in this movement because we believe in freedom, or because we want to climb into power? Are we driven by sacrifice, or by salaries? These questions are urgent because the struggle cannot and must not be compromised by opportunists.
Anyone whose presence in NUP begins and ends with a ticket risks weakening the struggle. The real comrades are those who, ticket or no ticket, remain loyal to the vision of People Power. They are the ones who mobilize in their communities, who sacrifice their time and resources, who stay true to the movement even when things are difficult. They see the ticket not as a prize but as a tool to advance the struggle. The opportunists, on the other hand, are exposed by their desperation. They want positions, not responsibilities. They want comfort, not sacrifice. They want to ride on the people’s sweat, but they are unwilling to bleed for the cause.
We are at a defining moment in the history of our movement. The line must be drawn clearly. NUP cannot afford to be hijacked by opportunists. We cannot be a platform where people come to enrich themselves or pursue short-term ambitions. We must remain a people’s movement, guided by principle, not by greed. The NUP ticket should never be handed to those who see it as a ticket to wealth. It should go to those who understand that it is a symbol of duty, service, and sacrifice.
The enemies of change are watching us closely. The dictatorship is betting on the possibility that we will be divided, infiltrated, and weakened by self-seekers. They know that if opportunists succeed in taking over the movement, the people’s hope will be betrayed. That is why the responsibility lies with us to safeguard the integrity of NUP. We must protect the movement from those who have no vision beyond their own pockets. We must remain vigilant, disciplined, and uncompromising in our pursuit of real change.
Because in the end, this struggle is not about positions—it is about power. Not personal power, but people power. It is about taking government and returning it to the citizens of Uganda. It is about liberating this country from dictatorship and building a new Uganda that works for everyone. That is the mission. That is the cause. That is the covenant we must all renew as NUP members, as comrades, and as Ugandans.
The time for pretenders is over. The time for opportunists is over. The time for the real comrades to rise, to stand firm, and to push the struggle forward has come. Uganda needs liberation, not politicians. Uganda needs servants, not opportunists. Uganda needs patriots, not ticket-chasers.
The NUP ticket is not for sale. It is not a shortcut to wealth. It is a responsibility, a sacrifice, and above all, a symbol of the people’s trust. Let those who understand this remain with us. Let those who came for selfish gains walk away. The struggle continues—not for seats, not for salaries, but for power, for justice, and for the future of Uganda.
Innocent B. Natukunda is the Team Leader of NUP Coordinators, Tooro Subregion and Aspiring MP Mwenge North, Kyenjojo.
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