Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has ignited its 2026 election campaign with a stunning fundraising achievement, collecting over UGX 1.07 billion within the first two days of its national drive. The surge of support—from market vendors to diaspora well-wishers—signals potent grassroots momentum for the party’s challenge against the ruling NRM.
Record-Breaking Launch
Chaired by Hon. Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, the campaign’s opening day (July 7, 2025) set a formidable precedent:
- Day 1: UGX 135.8 million in cash, UGX 21 million in checks, and pledges totaling UGX 869.5 million—UGX 1.026 billion.
- Day 2: UGX 21.2 million in cash and UGX 19.7 million via mobile money, pushing the two-day total past UGX 1.07 billion
The funds will fuel critical campaign activities, including voter mobilization, training, and logistical needs like posters and fuel
A Coalition of Small Donors
NUP’s strategy hinges on broad-based participation rather than elite patronage. Contributions flowed from:
- Everyday Ugandans: Street vendors, boda boda riders, and youth donating as little as UGX 2,000.
- Diaspora Supporters: International transfers in dollars and other currencies .
- Party Leaders: President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) contributed UGX 10 million, while Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi pledged UGX 20 million .
Balimwezo hailed this diversity as proof of a “collective movement for change”
Contrasting Campaign Models
The party targets UGX 9 billion for the 2026 elections—a figure Treasurer Benjamin Katana defended as sufficient despite criticism. He underscored NUP’s ethical stance:
“Our model does not involve bribery or buying votes. Even with minimal funds, we’ll run a clean campaign focused on rightful purposes like posters and fuel” .
The goal is just 1% of the UGX 900 billion spent by President Museveni’s NRM in 2021, highlighting NUP’s reliance on transparency over financial might.
The Road to 2026
The fundraising success arrives amid stark challenges. Bobi Wine recently revealed the party’s coffers were nearly empty, lacking even nomination fees:
“We don’t have a single coin. The little we had went into printing posters”.
NUP also rejects state funding under Uganda’s Political Parties Act, citing restrictive conditions from a regime it aims to unseat
A Call for Sustained Momentum
While celebrating the initial haul, Balimwezo cautioned, “The road ahead is long and requires greater unity and sacrifice”. The party continues mobilizing through digital channels and local networks, framing the drive as a “people’s struggle” .
Key Takeaways:
Aspect | Detail |
2-Day Total | UGX 1.07 billion (cash, checks, pledges) |
2026 Target | UGX 9 billion (1% of NRM’s 2021 spend) |
Funding Ethos | Grassroots-driven; rejects vote-buying and state funds |
Diaspora Role | Critical; multi-currency donations |
As Uganda’s opposition turns small donations into a formidable war chest, the NUP’s 48-hour triumph reshapes the battle lines for 2026, proving that in the quest for change, unity may yet rival wealth
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