KAMPALA, Uganda – National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has marked sixth anniversary of Uganda’s largest opposition party, describing its journey as one of sacrifice, resilience and determination despite years of political pressure.
In his statement released, Kyagulanyi reflected on the party’s growth since its launch in 2020, saying it had defied critics who predicted it would quickly collapse.
The anniversary comes at a time when several senior NUP leaders and supporters are facing criminal charges or remain at the centre of legal and political disputes, including the unresolved disappearance of Butambala County former MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi.
Bobi Wine said National Unity Platform was established as the political wing of the People Power movement, with the aim of offering Ugandans an alternative political platform.
“When we set out, many detractors said we wouldn’t last a month,” he wrote.
“They called us hooligans and lumpens. They branded us a passing wave that would never amount to anything.”
Despite those criticisms, Kyagulanyi said the party had continued to grow into what he described as a resilient political force advocating for democracy, human rights and accountable governance.
NUP leader used the anniversary to pay tribute to party members whom he said had endured arrests, detention and other hardships during the party’s six-year journey.
He also remembered supporters who had died, saying their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“We celebrate this milestone under heavy hearts, remembering our comrades who are still languishing in illegal detention, those who have been tortured, and those who have paid the ultimate price for a free Uganda,” he said.
Addressing supporters, Kyagulanyi urged them not to lose hope despite what he described as setbacks in the struggle for political change.
He said the challenges faced by opposition were part of a longer democratic struggle and expressed confidence that the party would continue pursuing its objectives.
“The journey may be long, but freedom is inevitable,” he said.
He also thanked the party’s leadership, supporters in Uganda and members of the Ugandan diaspora for what he described as their continued commitment to the movement.
National Unity Platform was officially unveiled in July 2020, replacing National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party (NURP), whose leadership agreed to hand control of the party to the People Power movement led by Bobi Wine.
Within months, NUP became Uganda’s leading opposition party after the2021 general election, winning the largest number of opposition seats in Parliament and establishing a strong support base, particularly in central Uganda and urban areas.
Since then, the party has remained one of the country’s most influential political organisations, frequently criticising the government over governance, electoral processes and human rights.
Government officials have consistently rejected accusations of political persecution, maintaining that security agencies operate within the law and that individuals arrested are investigated and prosecuted through the country’s justice system.
As NUP marks six years since its formation, the party faces both political opportunities and ongoing legal challenges involving several of its leaders and supporters.
While Bobi Wine says the movement remains committed to achieving democratic change, the government insists Uganda’s political and judicial institutions continue to operate within the framework of the Constitution.
The anniversary highlights National Unity Platform’s evolution from a new political movement into Uganda’s principal opposition party, even as debates over governance, political freedoms and human rights continue to shape the country’s political landscape.
