In a span of two years, the National Unity Platform (NUP) has spent over UGX 1 billion on foreign travel for their party president, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine since 2021.
This has been revealed by Moses Bigirwa, the former NUP deputy secretary for mobilization, Eastern Uganda who says that since 2021, Kyagulanyi has traveled outside Uganda over thirty times, with Amsterdam, Netherlands, being his most frequented destination.
Kyagulanyi’s travel records indicate that since 2021, he has made over thirty trips abroad, with Amsterdam, Netherlands, being his most frequently visited destination. Traveling in business class, Kyagulanyi spends around USD 1500 (UGX 5,550,000) on air tickets alone. Notably, he often travels with his wife and children, significantly increasing the expenses.
Additionally, insiders disclosed that during these trips, Kyagulanyi spends a minimum of two weeks abroad, averaging USD 500 (UGX 1,850,000) per day. Concerns have been raised regarding the purpose of these trips, as Kyagulanyi allegedly conducts personal business while utilizing party funds. Furthermore, critics argue that his family’s inclusion in these trips, despite their lack of official roles within NUP, raises further questions about the expenses incurred.
Accusing Kyagulanyi of prioritizing personal luxuries over the party’s grassroots development and support for ground mobilizers, discontented NUP members have expressed frustrations over the excessive spending. However, Kyagulanyi, who is currently on a Europe tour promoting his movie, has dismissed these concerns and reportedly threatened party members who demand accountability with expulsion.
The revelations surrounding NUP’s expenditure on Bobi Wine’s foreign travels highlight a growing rift within the party. As discontent brews among NUP members, questions continue to mount regarding the allocation of party funds and the need for transparency and accountability in managing party resources.