LGBTQ advocacy groups in the United States (US) have threatened to withdraw financial support from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition political party, citing their failure to actively defend and promote gay rights in Uganda.
The concern was raised on the sidelines of NUP’s recently concluded convention in Chicago, US, where the party leadership, including their president Robert Kyagulany and Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, among others, gathered for three days seeking funding for the party’s activities ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to a source who attended the sideline meeting, NUP leaders were criticized for not taking a strong stance on issues affecting the LGBTQ community, which has recently come under increasing threat in Uganda following the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
“While you’re here talking about human rights abuses by the regime in Uganda, you have not made a clear stance about LGBTQ rights. Our colleagues in Uganda have revealed to us that you always dodge the LGBTQ question, which has made them feel neglected,” David Orr, a renowned LGBTQ advocate in Chicago, remarked.
U.S.-based LGBTQ groups have been substantial contributors to the NUP, with many in the LGBTQ community seeing it as a potential ally in fighting for their rights and promoting their agenda.
However, recent criticisms have highlighted that the party’s silence on LGBTQ issues has created doubt about its credibility and commitment to universal human rights.
“It is disheartening to see that while the NUP seeks our support, it has not used its platform to advocate for the fundamental rights of LGBTQ individuals in Uganda,” David said while speaking on behalf of LGBTQ community groups present at the meeting, adding that if their concerns are not addressed, they will be compelled to reconsider their financial support for the party.
In response, NUP leaders acknowledged the criticism but argued that the sensitive nature of LGBTQ issues in Uganda complicates the party’s ability to address these concerns openly without risking alienation from more conservative segments of the population. They, however, reassured the funders that promotion of LGBTQ rights is represented in the party value of inclusiveness and will be a top priority once they take power.
The threat of withdrawing support presents a complex challenge for the NUP, with the party already grappling with funding after the conviction of their key funder, Senator Bob Menendez, in July 2024.
The party is being forced to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining its current support base of homophobic conservatives and addressing the concerns of international allies who advocate for LGBTQ rights protections.
