Celebrated cartoonist and activist Dr Spire Jimmy Ssentongo has commended supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for their resilience but also cautioned them to remain vigilant and steadfast as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.

Dr Ssentongo made these remarks on Friday, July 11, while presiding as guest of honor at the certificate awarding ceremony for the second cohort of the NUP School of Leadership, held at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule.

“I went to train these graduates’ just days after the military raided the NUP School. I was shocked to find the classrooms full, despite the arrests of some of their colleagues. That level of resilience is truly commendable; many people out there would not have had the strength to continue,” Ssentongo said.

However, he warned that the political road to the 2026 elections would be increasingly difficult and urged both NUP leaders and supporters to prepare themselves.”

“Some of you may be arrested, some may be injured, and sadly, some may even lose their lives. Please support one another. It is okay to take breaks, seek counseling, and talk to those who have gone through similar struggles,” Ssentongo advised.

He also encouraged opposition leaders and supporters to remain focused, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and instead build meaningful alliances.

“As members of the opposition, you need to know when to fight, when to walk away, and when to ignore things that do not add value. Avoid small battles that cause division. Focus on building alliances, not enemies,” Ssentongo added.

Engineer Lutwama Peter, one of the graduates, spoke passionately about the purpose of their training and their role in shaping Uganda’s future.

“We are not graduating into careers, but into activism for change. We are not powerless, we are prepared. Revolutions are not born through bullets, but through faith. Let us be strategic, disciplined, and visionary. We are here to serve, not to steal. Let love for our country and one another guide us,” he declared.

Ssentongo’s remarks come at a time when all political parties are ramping up preparations for the 2025–2026 general elections.

As Uganda’s leading opposition party, NUP faces heightened pressure amid a shifting political landscape. The emergence of new political parties has already ruled out the possibility of a unified opposition presidential candidate, further intensifying the need for strategic leadership and unity.