A political storm is brewing as Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Patrick Amuriat Oboi has launched a sharp critique against the National Unity Platform (NUP), accusing the party of prioritizing regional dominance in Buganda at the expense of a national vision.
This criticism follows NUP’s bold declaration at a recent leadership retreat in Kampala, where the party announced its goal of winning over 100 parliamentary seats in Central Buganda during the 2026 general elections.
The target, revealed by NUP National Mobilizer Fred Nyanzi, has stirred controversy and drawn accusations of regionalism from rival parties.
According to Amuriat, NUP’s focus on Buganda signals a troubling shift from national inclusivity to regional consolidation.
“Their blatant focus on securing 100 seats in Buganda alone reveals a concerning regional bias,” he stated, adding that such a strategy undermines NUP’s claims of representing nationwide aspirations.
Amuriat further argued that while NUP enjoys strong support in Buganda, a truly national party must appeal to voters across all regions of Uganda.
“A national movement must speak to the hopes and challenges of every Ugandan, not just those in one region. This kind of concentration suggests a limited vision and risks alienating other crucial constituencies,” he emphasized.
The FDC maintains that NUP’s approach reflects a shift from national cohesion toward regional dominance, potentially jeopardizing the opposition’s broader unity and long-term political objectives.
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Meanwhile, NUP leaders have defended their strategy, insisting that their focus on Buganda is a tactical step within a broader national plan. They argue that increasing their parliamentary representation is critical to advancing their legislative agenda.
“We need more voices, especially from Buganda, to enact meaningful change,” Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi said underscoring the importance of parliamentary numbers in implementing party policies.
Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya echoed that sentiment, while also emphasizing the need for internal unity within NUP. He urged party members to rally behind chosen flagbearers, even amid stiff competition for nominations.
“If you’re one of nine vying for the NUP flag, understand that not all can win. We must remain focused on the larger mission of taking NUP to power,” Rubongoya said.
NUP, which secured 57 parliamentary seats in Buganda in the 2021 elections—unseating key figures including then-Vice President Edward Ssekandi—continues to build on its regional base. However, FDC warns that an overreliance on Buganda could limit NUP’s ability to form a broad, national coalition in 2026 and beyond.
As Uganda’s political landscape intensifies in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, the growing rivalry between the FDC and NUP signals that the battle for Buganda—and the broader narrative of national unity—will remain a defining issue in the months ahead.
