In a major political development ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has officially welcomed seven Members of Parliament into the National Unity Platform (NUP). The high-profile defections signal a surge in the party’s momentum and growing influence across the country.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at NUP headquarters in Kamwokya, Bobi Wine introduced the new members, calling their entry a boost to what he termed a “revolutionary struggle.”
“We have been very honored to welcome into the National Unity Platform, this afternoon, Members of Parliament who have officially joined the Party,” Bobi Wine announced.
The MPs who joined NUP are:
- Hon. Luttamaguzi Ssemakula Paulson Kasana (Nakaseke South County)
- Hon. Joan Namutaawe (Woman MP, Masaka District)
- Hon. Nsanja Patrick Kayongo (Ntenjeru South)
- Hon. Nantongo Fortunate (Woman MP, Kyotera District)
- Hon. Lukwago John Paul Mpalanyi (Kyotera County)
- Hon. Batuwa Timothy Lusala (Jinja Municipality West)
- Hon. Isabirye David Aga (Jinja North Division)
“You’re very welcome home, our Honourable comrades,” he added.
With these new additions, NUP is poised to strengthen its parliamentary presence. The party currently holds 57 seats in Uganda’s 11th Parliament, making it the largest opposition force in the country.
Bobi Wine said the continued defections reflect a national yearning for change and a growing disillusionment with the ruling establishment.
“Despite the regime stepping up persecution of NUP supporters, we continue to attract new members,” he said.
“This afternoon, we formally welcomed over 470 new members.”
He emphasized that NUP is not merely a political party, but a people-powered movement with a mission to dismantle President Yoweri Museveni’s four-decade rule.
“NUP is not just a political party; it’s a revolutionary movement firmly committed to ridding Uganda of President Museveni and Musevenism. No matter what happens, we have only one direction—forward,” he declared.
Bobi Wine rose to prominence as Museveni’s main challenger in the 2021 presidential elections, where he garnered over 3.6 million votes (35% of the total), in what he described as a heavily rigged contest. It was the strongest performance by any Ugandan opposition candidate in the country’s history.
As the 2026 polls approach, the inclusion of new MPs is expected to enhance NUP’s legislative strength and grassroots mobilization efforts. The timing of these defections signals a calculated move to consolidate support and prepare for an intense national contest.
Meanwhile, the government has proposed new regulations targeting political parties—a move critics say is aimed at restricting NUP’s activities.
Authorities have accused NUP of promoting a culture of militarism and fostering instability, while NUP has dismissed these claims as attempts to stifle legitimate political opposition.
Despite the challenges, the party appears undeterred, continuing to expand its ranks and fortify its presence on the national stage.
