NUP marks five years, reflects on milestones and ongoing struggle against ‘dictatorship’

The National Unity Platform (NUP) yesterday commemorated five years since the unveiling of its political wing, reflecting on a “roller-coaster” journey marked by significant milestones and persistent challenges in its fight against what it terms ‘dictatorship’ in Uganda.

In a statement released by it’s president, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, to mark the quinquennial, the NUP asserted that in just five years, it has transformed into “one of the most potent anti-dictatorship forces Uganda has had across generations.” Despite operating with “limited resources,” the party highlighted its achievement in establishing the “biggest political party headquarters in the country” alongside “vibrant regional offices.”

The NUP leadership underscored its resilience, stating it has “endured innumerable challenges and survived many regime traps” while remaining true to its core values and commitment to ending oppression in Uganda, “no matter how long it may take.”

However, the anniversary celebration was also tempered by a reflection on the severe obstacles the party continues to face. The statement lamented the “dark shadow” cast by ongoing “abductions, torture, enforced disappearance, detentions-without-trial, and killings of our comrades and associates.” Furthermore, the party claimed that efforts to make it more democratic and transparent, particularly through the adoption of a new party constitution, are being “impeded by regime agents previously hiding in plain sight amongst us.”

Despite these formidable hurdles, the NUP affirmed its unwavering determination to “build a resilient institution that will survive us and outlive human greed for power.” The party acknowledged that while it “may not be where we intended to be when we set out a few years ago,” it is “in a much better place than we used to be.”

The statement concluded with a powerful reaffirmation of its ultimate mission: “ending dictatorship and establishing a free and just country of fortune for all who live in it.” The NUP vowed to “press forward, grounded in this mission” and guided by an “unshakeable belief that with God by our side, there is no mountain we shall not surmount on this treacherous journey to freedom!”

A poignant tribute was also paid to those who have suffered for the cause: “To you our comrades who have paid with your lives, have vanished, have been imprisoned, or have been maimed in the name of our shared ideals, we see you. We honor you. We carry on in your name. we shall vindicate you.”