The National Unity Platform (NUP) party, in a significant development, has successfully secured financial backing from LGBTQ networks across Latin America.
This support comes as NUP prepares for its 2026 electoral campaigns, marking a crucial step in its ongoing struggle for resources amid recent financial challenges that almost led to the selling off of some party assets.
These developments stem from the recent Latin America Liberal Network–RELIAL (Spanish: Red Liberal de America Latina) workshop, which brought together political parties across the globe with five representatives from Africa, including NUP leaders who were invited to defend the rights of LGBTQ persons.
According to reliable sources within the NUP party that preferred anonymity, the Latin American gay community has expressed its commitment to assist NUP, recognizing the party’s potential to advocate for liberal values and the protection of gay rights in Uganda.
“In exchange for this support, the NUP leader Bobi Wine has pledged to champion the cause of liberalism and actively promote the rights of the LGBTQ community in Uganda,” one of the sources said.
The sources noted that this comes as a ray of light in terms of finance to NUP and its leadership, which has faced considerable funding difficulties since the corruption scandal involving its main funder, Senator Bob Menendez, which had severely impacted its financial stability.
Additionally, NUP faced a backlash from several Members of Parliament who ceased their monthly contributions following the controversial split with former Leader of Opposition in Parliament and party member, Matthias Mpuuga.
“Team Matthias Mpuuga stopped remitting monthly contributions of UGX 5 million to the party and chose to keep all their money after accusing the party of witch hunting Mpuuga; this dealt a heavy blow to the party finances, leaving it strained in its daily operations,” the source added.
The source further noted that the situation worsened with the release of alleged political prisoners, which further complicated the party’s ability to secure funds under the pretext of supporting these individuals.
“As a result, NUP has been compelled to seek alternative funding sources, leading to the fruitful engagement with Latin American LGBTQ networks for a financial bailout, which of course has come with strings attached,” the source added.
As a result, the partnership with these networks represents a pivotal moment for NUP, as it not only provides much-needed financial resources but also aligns the party with broader global movements advocating for LGBTQ rights.
Bobi Wine’s commitment to liberalism and human rights resonates with the values of these networks, fostering a collaborative spirit aimed at promoting equality and justice.
As the 2026 elections approach, NUP’s ability to leverage this new funding source may prove difficult in its political landscape in its quest for fighting for LGBTQ rights in an environment where cultural norms and society are not in support.
