NUP celebrates 6 years of Existence in Uganda
KAMPALA: Exactly six years ago, on July 22, 2020, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, stood before the press in Kamwokya to unveil a new political vehicle: the National Unity Platform (NUP). Born out of the energetic, youth-led “People Power” movement, the party adopted the red umbrella as its symbol and set out to disrupt decades of political dominance the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Six years later, NUP has cemented its position as Uganda’s main opposition party. Marking the milestone on Wednesday, party leadership reflected on a bittersweet journey defined rapid institutional growth, intense state pressure, and ongoing political mobilization.
From Grassroots Movement to Parliamentary Force
When NUP was formed acquiring and re-branding the former National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party (NURP), critics dismissed it as a short-lived political trend. However, in its debut general election in January 2021, the party swept through urban centers and the Buganda sub-region, securing 57 seats in Parliament and establishing itself as the primary opposition block.
Through its parliamentary leadership, including the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) office and committee oversight, NUP brought a fresh, confrontational, and reform-oriented agenda to parliament, challenging executive spending, human rights violations, and governance abuses.
A Journey of Sacrifice, Pain, and Triumphs
Addressing supporters on the anniversary, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi noted that surviving six years under extreme political constraints was itself a major triumph.
Watch Bobi Wine’s Address here
“When we set out, many detractors said we wouldn’t last a month. They called us hooligans and lumpens. They branded us a passing wave… But we did not give up or give in. Today, we still stand as a potent, resilient anti-dictatorship force known worldwide for standing for the rights and dignity of every citizen.”
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), NUP President
Kyagulanyi also dedicated the anniversary to party activists and supporters who remain in detention, those who have suffered injuries, and those who lost their lives over the course of the political struggle.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Horizon
The six-year milestone comes at a crucial transition period as political parties gear up for the upcoming general elections. NUP faces both internal and external dynamics, including navigating electoral reforms, grassroots fundraising drives, and continuous engagements regarding civic space.
Watch Bobi Wine’s Address here
As the umbrella movement enters its seventh year, its leadership maintains that its fundamental mission—achieving a peaceful, democratic transition of power and institutional reform in Uganda—remains firmly intact.