MPs Protest Leaders’ Financial Extortion Scheme Delaying NUP Flag Bearers’ Declaration

The declaration of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearers for the impending 2026 general elections may wait a little longer after allegations of massive financial extortion and exploitation have marred the process, leading to two postponements that have left many aspiring candidates confused.

As anxiety builds among hopefuls, the reasons behind these delays have come to light, pointing fingers at high-ranking party officials who are accused of demanding hefty payments before allowing aspirants to claim their party flags.

Sources within the party allege that the party president, along with the deputy president for Central region, the secretary general, and the spokesperson, orchestrated elaborate schemes to exploit candidates financially.

It’s reported that they are employing various emissaries representing the interests of each of the aforementioned party chiefs to enforce their demands, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and uncertainty as election season approaches.

“I have it on good authority that ticket-related extortion is taking place behind curtains, the president and deputy president have their specific agent, the secretary general, and the spokesperson also have a specific agent” disclosed an anonymous party source, detailing how specific individuals have been appointed to oversee transactions for securing party flags.

MPs Protest

With the declaration process now significantly overdue, incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) have become increasingly vocal in their protests against the financial burden imposed by party leaders.

Many have bravely stepped forward to voice their discontent, stressing that they will not allow a handful of party leaders to profit from their desire to serve their constituencies.

“I would rather inject Shs350M among the electorates rather than spend it to a few individuals at the party secretariat,” declared an MP representing a constituency boarding the Busoga region on the part of Buganda, reflecting the sentiments shared by many.

The discontent is palpable among the incumbents, especially as some members are threatening to run as independents if the extortion tactics persist.

The capital city Woman MP, who recently returned from an extended illness, described being bombarded with demands from party headquarters, warning that she has already contributed significantly to party funding throughout her term.

She expressed her frustration, stating, “I have been paying school fees and rent for party foot soldiers on the directive of the Secretary General, so why coerce me into paying even more for the flag? Isn’t that enough contribution for my party?”

Party Fundraising Another Trap

Adding to the chaos, an MP revealed that fundraising contributions for the party’s presidential candidate campaign in 2026 have become another avenue of pressure, with aspirants being ordered to meet campaign funding requirements to retain their spots in the race.

“This preconditioned order for payment has only inflamed tensions among us the candidates, many of whom feel their contributions to the party’s struggle should suffice. One MP who trounced a Minister in a constituency located in greater Masaka lamented, “After all I have done for the party, why should I face such demands?”

“I find this directive very unfair because I have spent the entire team paying fees for some of relatives of the foot soldiers who lost their life in the struggle. A case in point is Frank Ssenteza’s young sister whose University tuition fees is in my throats, and I have been spending much money in maintaining my relationship with the president, former head of mobilization, and former national youth leader, the Hon Zaake, etc,” the MP said poured heart out.

He added, “After all, they have their preferred candidate who is now being traded by the deputy spokesperson, and the influential foot soldiers over me! When did the party flag turned out to be for sale?”

“With or without the NUP party flag I can return to Parliament because my district is predominantly NRM, therefore asking me for Shs200m in return for the flag is a sign that they do not honour my works for the party,” the unhappy Woman MP who spent almost two years in maternity leave representing a district in greater Mubende said, “my individual brilliance will bounce me back to the House.”

“I am already burdened with paying school fees for Kanatta Muhammad’s children because the party completely abandoned him for me to care of his family, why should I be forced to cough up more cash for the party flag?” the stingy city lawyer who represents North constituency grumbled.

MPs Differ

While some are determined to push back against these financial demands, others are resigning themselves to a system that requires substantial investment for survival in the political arena.

One woman MP who represents a district which birthed districts of Butambala and Wakiso, recognizing the uphill battle she faces, stated, “I am financially constrained, but I will do everything in my power to raise Shs250M; without that party flag, my chances are slim.”

She is in the same boat with MPs like the one who represents the a constituency within Kampala where key installations for Buganda seat who asserted that financial demands are merely a necessary cost of doing business in politics.

“Shs300M is manageable for someone like me,” he noted confidently, emphasizing his willingness to meet the demands placed upon him by party leaders in order to secure her position in Parliament.

“Sincerely speaking, it is an uphill task for me without it [party flag]. By next week I will have raised the Shs300m the president asked from me,” the MP said.

His counterpart on the Southern part of the same division found it easier too to dig deeper into his pockets once again to quench the party chiefs’ throats financially for his continued earnings.

“My opponent’s businesses are struggling, and she has overspent having started earlier than me and I can assure you, she cannot compete with me. Shs300m is little money to be fetched by an incumbent MP like me to purchase the party flag to swing in money for the next five years. I did it last time, I am doing it again,” he said.

Amid the turmoil, there is a rising fear that the extensive demands placed on aspirants could lead to discontented members leaking sensitive information about the party’s internal practices. This has further complicated the declaration process, as those in power at NUP are reluctant to finalize decisions that could expose their extortion tactics.

As the situation evolves, it becomes increasingly clear that the rampant exploitation within the opposition party reflects a disturbing trend in Ugandan politics, where corruption and financial demands overshadow the democratic process.

If these allegations are not promptly addressed, the path to the 2026 general elections may be littered with resentment and disillusionment among both aspirants and voters alike.