NUP Opens Political Office in Bundibugyo

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has opened political offices in the western district of Bundibugyo in a bid to extend their coverage across the country.

On Monday, July 16, the NUP embarked on the second edition of their 2024 countrywide tour. This is after the police gave them a go-ahead following a meeting between the leaders of both institutions last week.

Unlike previous tours, the NUP didn’t hold a procession from their Makerere Kavule headquarters in Kampala to Bundibugyo. To the contrary, the leadership travelled discretely. NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, traveled without a scene up to Fort Portal.

The first stop of their tour was Bundibugyo district, where they opened a political office. While speaking at the opening of their office, Bobi Wine called upon Ugandan youth to get involved in the politics of their country. He asked them to emulate their counterparts in neighboring Kenya.

The youth in Kenya spearheaded protests across the country to reject the Finance Bill 2024. According to them, this bill didn’t capture the sentiments of the people. In the Finance Bill 2024, President William Ruto’s government wanted to levy exorbitant taxes on key household items. President Ruto has since rejected the bill and dissolved his cabinet.

NUP blocked by Police

However, all didn’t go to plan after opening their party office as police halted their next program. The leadership was blocked from accessing a local radio station, Development FM to utilize airtime they had paid for.

Additionally, police blocked them from accessing Boma Grounds, saying it was hosting another activity. However, Party Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi challenged this decision from the police. They wondered how a venue they had paid for fully was given to another entity on the same day. Much as they had receipts stamped by the town clerk, the police didn’t budge.

“Police acted out of the law and blocked our access to Boma Grounds, which we had paid for and agreed on with the police. They directed us to a venue 30 miles from town, but we couldn’t go there.” said Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, President NUP.

Bobi Wine said he wasn’t surprised by the actions of the police. This is because they have acted this way since they launched their tours in Kamuli.

This is a trend, even if we tick all boxes by the police, they are hellbent on going against our agreement.

Bobi Wine