The National Unity Platform (NUP) on Wednesday marked six years since its official unveiling as the political platform of the People Power Movement. Party leaders and hundreds of supporters gathered at the party headquarters in Kavule for celebrations marked by speeches, music, poetry and renewed calls for unity.
Although NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, was unable to attend the celebrations in person, he addressed supporters through a recorded video message from exile. Kyagulanyi thanked members for standing with the party throughout what he described as six defining years.
“Although I’m addressing you from exile, I want to thank all of you for being part of this journey,” Kyagulanyi said. “On this day, six years ago, the 22nd of July 2020, I addressed you as we were unveiling the National Unity Platform as the political and electoral platform of the People Power Movement.”
He recalled that NUP was adopted as the political vehicle for the People Power Movement after efforts to register People Power as a political party were unsuccessful, adding that the movement was founded to pursue broader democratic change beyond electoral politics.
Reflecting on the party’s journey, Kyagulanyi cited legal battles, security operations against party offices, arrests of supporters and internal challenges, but said the organisation had continued to expand its structures across Uganda and within the diaspora.
He paid tribute to party members who have lost their lives, those still in detention and others whose whereabouts remain unknown, urging supporters to honour their sacrifices while remaining focused on the party’s objectives.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Local Council elections, Kyagulanyi encouraged members to actively participate in grassroots leadership, describing local governance as the foundation for building strong political structures.
He also thanked the party leadership for steering NUP during his absence, specifically recognizing Acting President John Baptist Nambeshe, Deputy President for Northern Uganda Lina Zedriga, Vice President for Western Uganda Jacklyne Jolly Tukamushaba, and other leaders.
THe Vice President for Western Uganda Jacklyne Jolly Tukamushaba praised supporters for remaining committed despite the challenges facing the party, saying NUP had become a significant force in Uganda’s political landscape.
She urged members to remain united, recruit more supporters and continue strengthening party structures across the country.
Sharing her experience, Tukamushaba recounted periods of detention during her political activism, saying opposition politics demands resilience, sacrifice and determination.
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and NUP spokesperson, Joel Ssenyonyi said the hardships faced by the party had strengthened rather than weakened its leadership. He called on party officials to demonstrate integrity, discipline and accountability, urging local leaders to distinguish themselves through service while encouraging the public to continue holding elected leaders accountable.
Acting NUP President, Chief Whip of the Opposition and Vice President for Eastern Uganda John Baptist Nambeshe paid tribute to members who have died, those in detention and others whose whereabouts remain unknown.
He asked supporters to observe a moment of silence in their honour before encouraging members to remain steadfast. Nambeshe said history had shown that determined people could not easily be prevented from pursuing freedom, adding that political movements endure because of the ideas they represent rather than individual leaders.
The anniversary celebrations featured performances by musicians associated with the opposition movement, cultural presentations and spoken-word poetry celebrating the party’s growth while paying tribute to members who have contributed to its development since its launch in July 2020.
Supporters waved party flags, sang songs of unity and hope, and joined anniversary chants as party leaders reiterated calls for solidarity ahead of future political activities, including grassroots elections and continued nationwide mobilisation-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
