NUP Warns New MPs Against Corruption, Urges Focus on Party Mission

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has cautioned its newly elected Members of Parliament to resist temptations of large sums of money in Parliament and remain loyal to the people who voted for them in the January elections. At a Wednesday retreat in Busabala, party leaders, including Dr. Lina Zedriga and Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, spent over four hours sensitizing the MPs on the risks of abandoning the party’s mandate once in office.

Ssenyonyi reminded MPs of the plight of Ugandans who have been jailed for political reasons since 2021 and the recent presidential elections. He also highlighted proposed taxes on fuel and formal employees’ monthly earnings, urging citizens to mobilize against what he called “exorbitant taxes.” He emphasized that Ugandans who ignore politics risk severe consequences as the rising cost of living continues to bite.

NUP won 51 parliamentary seats in January, down from 57 in 2021. Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya argued that the party could have secured over 80 seats if the NRM had not allegedly collaborated with the Electoral Commission to deny victories to several NUP candidates, including himself.

Party leader Bobi Wine, who addressed the MPs virtually, reminded them to remain focused on NUP’s mission of “redeeming the nation from dictatorship.” He commended discussions on political prisoners and other election-related violations. “I urged MPs, district chairpersons, and mayors to stay united and resist the temptations of leadership in this environment,” Wine said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, both Wine and Ssenyonyi dismissed media reports suggesting negotiations with the government for Wine’s safe return. Wine clarified that he left the country last week, while Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba claimed he departed on January 11.

Wine insisted he cannot negotiate for his freedom or return, and Ssenyonyi emphasized that as a Ugandan citizen, he does not need government approval to come back. Both leaders confirmed there are no ongoing talks between NUP and the government.