NUP to commence fundraising drive for election campaign, calls for unity amidst attacks from saboteurs
The announcement was made alongside a strong call for internal harmony and a focus on the party's main objectives, amidst what its leaders described as targeted attacks from political rivals.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced it will launch a public fundraising drive starting next Monday to finance its upcoming election campaign. The announcement was made alongside a strong call for internal harmony and a focus on the party’s main objectives, amidst what its leaders described as targeted attacks from political rivals.
Speaking at a press conference in Kampala on Wednesday, NUP’s Secretary General, David Rubongoya, officially declared the initiative. “We are going to launch fundraising for the election campaign next week (Monday),” he said, inviting contributions from “supporters and well-wishers.” He underscored the voluntary nature of the contributions, noting that while election campaigns are expensive, the party would rely on willing donors.
The party leadership also used the platform to address the conduct of internal party politics as aspirants begin to position themselves for various electoral seats. Harriet Chemutai, the chairperson of the party’s Election Management Committee (EMC), appealed to all candidates to engage in constructive politics. “We rally candidates to embrace healthy campaigns devoid of divisive rhetoric,” she stated, adding that a formal channel is available for anyone wishing to lodge complaints against the EMC or any individual.
On the sensitive issue of selecting a single candidate for a constituency, Rubongoya clarified that the party’s “harmonization” process is based on consent, not coercion. “Harmonization is entirely voluntary, and nobody will be compelled to quit any race if one candidate does not agree to be part of the process,” he explained. He outlined two approaches: candidate-led harmonization, where aspirants agree among themselves, and a party-led process.
The call for unity was a central theme, with leaders urging members to look at the bigger picture. The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, tasked all “change-seeking Ugandans” to remain focused on their ultimate goal rather than being distracted by political saboteurs.
“There are lots of attacks against NUP, not just by the NRM which we want to unseat, but there are some other groups and formations which have made NUP their agenda and target,” Ssenyonyi warned. “My appeal to us is that we don’t get dissuaded and diverted by these small groups. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize.”
Echoing this sentiment, NUP’s Deputy President for the Central Region, Muwanga Kivumbi, reminded prospective candidates that they belong to a single political family.
“Much as we are going to compete, we must not forget that we are one family. We are National Unity Platform,” Kivumbi emphasized. “Don’t forget that you are a member of NUP before you become a supporter of a candidate. So whatever decisions that NUP takes, please ensure that you do the needful.”
