Senior opposition figure Abed Bwanika has officially announced his departure from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s largest opposition party, citing irreconcilable differences with its leadership, ideological conflicts, and frustration over internal democracy.
Speaking during an interview on NBS TV on February 15, 2025, the Kimanya-Kabonera MP and former presidential candidate accused NUP of losing its way, tolerating ideologies he cannot support, and lacking a clear strategy for the 2026 elections.
Bwanika did not hold back in his criticism of NUP, openly accusing the party of betraying its core principles.
“I have been vocal about my disagreements with the NUP leadership, and it’s clear our values no longer align,” he stated.
One of the most controversial reasons he cited was the party’s alleged tolerance of homosexuality, a claim likely to stir heated debate in Uganda’s conservative political scene.
“The party’s tolerance of homosexuality is unacceptable, and I believe it’s time for me to move on,” he added.
Beyond ideological differences, Bwanika also questioned NUP’s ability to defeat President Museveni in the 2026 elections, arguing that the party has lost focus and failed to present a winning strategy.
“NUP has lost its way, and I don’t see them making significant gains in the upcoming elections,” he said.
Bwanika’s fallout with NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) has been brewing for months, with the MP accusing the party of being dictatorial, intolerant to diverse opinions, and favoring activism over serious political strategy.
Insiders claim Bwanika felt sidelined within NUP, particularly as the 2026 election race gains momentum.
His repeated calls for internal reforms and broader political inclusion were reportedly ignored, leading him to take the drastic step of walking away.
While he has not explicitly announced his next move, speculation it is said that Bwanika may revive his People’s Development Party (PDP) or join forces with alternative opposition figures like Norbert Mao (DP) and Mugisha Muntu (ANT).
Given his experience and influence, he could play a key role in shaping a new opposition coalition to challenge NUP’s dominance.
Bwanika’s exit is more than just a single defection it exposes deeper cracks within NUP, a party that has been struggling with internal conflicts since its rapid rise in the 2021 general elections.
His departure could embolden other disgruntled members to leave, weakening NUP’s unity as Uganda heads into an intensely contested election cycle.
With 2026 fast approaching, Bobi Wine faces mounting pressure to reassert his leadership, address party divisions, and prove that NUP remains Uganda’s strongest opposition force.
As Uganda’s political battlefield heats up, one thing is certain Bwanika’s departure is just the beginning of a much larger political transformation.
