Councilors from the National Unity Platform (NUP) party in the Buganda region have raised concerns about their party’s failure to build a strong presence outside the central region. Their criticism follows the recent by-election in Kisoro, where NUP lost to an independent candidate and a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The discontent became evident after a mobilization rally in Buikwe on November 16, 2024. While the rally took place, the Kisoro by-election was ongoing. Many councilors believe that NUP missed an important opportunity by focusing on a gathering in Buikwe instead of supporting their candidate in Kisoro.
Kampala city councilor Zahara Nalubyayi Talidda expressed her frustration on social media, saying that the party’s leadership has not properly assessed its strategies to attract more voters across the country. She criticized NUP for prioritizing concerts, which she referred to as “bivulu,” over important political work.
“Instead of reevaluating party strategies to win more voters, they are misplacing priorities and complaining about rigging and stealing votes. If you don’t have strong structures in those areas, you cannot expect to win,” Nalubyayi tweeted.
She pointed out that people only know NUP for its entertaining events, not for offering real political change.
“This seems more like a concert party than a serious political movement,” she added.
Another councilor, Mary Apolot from Namugongo Nsawo, echoed these sentiments. She argued that for NUP to make a significant impact in the political arena, they need leaders who prioritize serious political engagement rather than entertainment.
“If we want to do better, we need to show people we are not just performers,” Apolot stated. She noted the importance of building a strong presence in even rural areas, pointing out that NUP lacks organization in her home village of Pallisa.
The calls for reform from within the NUP raise critical questions about the party’s future direction. As pressure mounts on the leadership to respond to these concerns and strengthen its appeal nationwide, only time will tell if they will take these voices seriously.
