As Uganda edges closer to the 2026 general elections, the political landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. In a bold show of growing influence, the National Unity Platform (NUP) on Wednesday May 21 2025 officially welcomed seven sitting Members of Parliament into its ranks, a significant boost to the opposition party’s momentum.

The high-energy event, held at NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule, was led by party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Kyagulanyi reminded the new members that joining NUP is not just a political decision but a commitment to a broader struggle for justice and democratic change.

“You are most welcome to NUP,” Kyagulanyi said. “But remember, this is not just a political party; it is a struggle. You will be arrested, beaten, and tortured, but through it all, stay true to the cause. Never betray the struggle.”

He further urged the new members not to join NUP merely in pursuit of party endorsement but to actively commit to the broader mission of securing the presidency and delivering true change to the country.

“As you all know, it is not enough to hold party cards or win small elections while the presidency remains unchanged,” Kyagulanyi added. “Our ultimate goal is to remove President Museveni and dismantle his regime, and that must be our shared responsibility and collective mission.”

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, who officially unveiled the new members, hailed their courage in joining the party amid a climate of political repression.

“In these trying times, when merely being associated with NUP can cost you your freedom, it is powerful to see leaders choosing courage over comfort,” Rubongoya said. “Today, we welcome seven sitting MPs and 461 other new members into the struggle.”

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, also applauded the move, saying that while many of the new entrants have long shared ideological values with NUP, their formal inclusion marks a pivotal moment in the party’s evolution.

Among the new members is Dr Timothy Batuwa, formerly of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who praised NUP for shaping his political leadership more effectively than any other opposition platform.

“I thank Kyagulanyi for trusting me with the role of Shadow Minister for Health,” Batuwa said. “No other opposition party nurtures leadership like NUP.”

Other MPs who crossed over include Lutamaguzi Ssemakula (Nakaseke South, formerly DP), Aga Isabirye (Jinja North, formerly FDC), Joan Namutaawe (Masaka Woman MP, formerly DP), Nantongo Fortunate (Kyotera Woman MP, formerly DP), Nsanja Patrick Kayongo (Ntenjeru County, Independent), and Mpalanyi John Paul Lukwago (Kyotera, formerly DP).

With official provisions now allowing MPs and leaders to switch allegiances and return party cards, NUP appears to be capitalizing on the opening. As more politicians gravitate toward the movement, the party is positioning itself as the central force of opposition ahead of what promises to be a pivotal election year.