On July 22, 2020, amidst the tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic in Uganda, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, made a significant political maneuver by introducing a new party called the National Unity Platform (NUP).
This move marked a pivotal shift for Bobi Wine, who had previously operated within the People Power pressure group for several years. The creation of NUP was facilitated through a strategic acquisition of the then National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party (NURP), orchestrated in collaboration with Nkonge Kibalama.
Following its establishment, NUP quickly gained prominence, particularly in the central region of Buganda, where its candidates secured sweeping victories in various elections, including parliamentary seats and positions within the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Currently, NUP boasts a substantial representation with over 50 members in parliament and has solidified its headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, relocating from its initial offices in Kamwokya.
The transition was not without legal battles, as Kibalama and his associates sought unsuccessfully to reclaim control of the party they had entrusted to Bobi Wine and his allies. Despite these challenges, NUP has persisted and is now preparing to celebrate its fourth anniversary on July 22, 2024, at the Kololo Ceremonial grounds in Kampala.
In a bold move, the General Secretary of NUP has formally requested permission from the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs to utilize Kololo Ceremonial grounds for their anniversary event. The theme of the celebration is “Four Years of NUP: The Milestones Reached, the Obstacles Encountered, and a Glance into the Future.” Emphasizing the historical significance of Kololo and its capacity to accommodate a large gathering, NUP aims to commence the event at 9:00 am and conclude at 6:00 pm, pending approval.
Acknowledging the public nature of Kololo grounds, which has historically hosted events for various political parties, including the ruling NRM, NUP has expressed readiness to reschedule their event if the grounds are unavailable on the specified date. They have also committed to complying with all logistical and financial requirements stipulated by the military, who oversee the management of Kololo.
Looking ahead, NUP remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing its agenda despite the challenges encountered along the way. As they approach this milestone anniversary, they reflect on their journey with a blend of resilience and optimism for the future of Ugandan politics under their leadership.
