The National Unity Platform (NUP) has reaffirmed its commitment to participate in Uganda’s 2026 general elections, rejecting calls for a boycott amidst intensifying debates within opposition circles. Speaking exclusively to this publication, David Lewis Rubongoya, the party’s Secretary General, emphasized the importance of contesting elections to maintain opposition influence and mobilize public support against President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
Rubongoya dismissed the notion of boycotting the elections, arguing that such a move would hand Museveni an easy victory. “In Uganda, if we were to boycott, Museveni would simply field candidates like Norbert Mao or Katumba Oyee and declare himself the winner,” Rubongoya explained. He stressed that participating in elections is vital to building public momentum and pushing for change. “Every opportunity represents a fighting chance,” he added, citing historical instances of persistent struggles leading to the collapse of dictatorships.
Rubongoya described 2024 as a challenging year for NUP. The party mourned the loss of Jolly Mugisha, its Deputy President for Western Uganda, and grappled with continued arrests and abductions of its members. Internally, NUP faced fallout from a corruption scandal involving its former Deputy President for Buganda, Mathias Mpuuga, over a controversial service award. Despite these setbacks, Rubongoya highlighted the success of the party’s nationwide tours earlier in the year, which showcased strong public support for change.
Rubongoya praised Joel Ssenyonyi, the current Leader of the Opposition (LoP), for his efforts in combating corruption and uniting opposition MPs.
“He has made significant efforts to pressure the government, expose corruption, and highlight the misuse of public funds,” Rubongoya said.
While acknowledging that some committee chairs fell short of expectations, he maintained that Ssenyonyi’s leadership has strengthened the opposition’s presence in parliament.
However, challenges remain in achieving full cohesion among opposition MPs. “Not everyone immediately embraces a young leader,” Rubongoya noted, but expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to unify the party’s ranks.
As Uganda enters an election season, NUP plans to field candidates at all levels. The party is preparing for a tough year ahead, with the government intensifying restrictions on opposition activities. Rubongoya criticized the police for banning NUP’s political tours while allowing Museveni’s “disguised campaigns” under the guise of Parish Development Model tours.
Despite these hurdles, Rubongoya reaffirmed the party’s resilience. “When we get a setback, we get up and fight again,” he said, emphasizing the importance of persistence in their struggle.
Rubongoya highlighted NUP’s role in championing young leaders, with key figures like himself and Ssenyonyi under the age of 40. “This should inspire young people to reject the notion that they are leaders of the future. The future is now,” he asserted.
As NUP navigates a politically charged landscape, its commitment to contesting the 2026 elections signals its determination to challenge the status quo and mobilize Ugandans toward change.
