Ugandans Angry As NUP Flip-Flops On IPOD Membership

At 6:59 PM on October 8, 2025, a storm erupted on social media as the National Unity Platform (NUP) confirmed its readiness to sign a memorandum of association (MOU) to join the Inter-party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD).

This announcement followed a letter sent to the IPOD secretariat by NUP through David Lewis Rubongoya, the Secretary General on October 7, 2025, detailing a stunning reversal from the party’s previous stance of staunch opposition to what they termed as a vehicle for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by President Yoweri Museveni to cow down opposition parties.

Just a few months prior to the voluntary request to IPOD, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, had vehemently vowed that joining IPOD would amount to a betrayal against their commitment to resist the long-time leadership of Museveni.

“It [the amendment] was brought because when we [NUP] came forward, we started that our primary goal was to overthrow Museveni’s government. We refused to sit with him,” Bobi asserted in a July speech during a fundraising campaign for the upcoming 2026 elections.

Earlier this year, Parliament amended Section 14 of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, introducing stringent conditions for funding that only applies to political parties represented in Parliament who comply with new democratic principles, such as promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and active participation in IPOD activities.

Bobi shared insights during the fundraiser, hinting that some insiders from the government believed that the continued financial support for the NUP’s endeavors through IPOD, angered Museveni, prompting him to double down on his grip on power.

Fast forward two months later, and the allegations of betrayal echo loudly. Bobi, who had initially vowed never to seek Museveni’s support or acceptance, appeared to relent, shifting course to voluntarily invite himself into the IPOD amidst lingering accusations of hypocrisy.

The apparent change in the NUP’s strategy attracted ire not only from disillusioned citizens but also from ardent supporters who once championed the party’s radical stance against the government.

This comes after the party successfully raised over Shs9bn from enthusiastic supporters, including those in the diaspora, the very system he denounced appears to have adjusted his priorities.

Social Media Bursts

Social media has exploded with backlash from Ugandans, particularly NUP supporters, who were quick to convey their dissatisfaction with NUP.

Comments flooded in on NUP X account regarding the statement which announced the party’s decision to join IPOD, criticizing the party leader Bobi for inconsistency and accusing him of becoming complicit in Museveni’s regime.

“NUP has finally yielded to Museveni IPOD money trap,” wrote Abbas Kazibwe.

In another emotional reaction, Nats T Abubakari questioned, “So the Shs2bn are done, you want more from the very government you are against?”

The disappointment was palpable, as many felt betrayed by the party they had once believed would champion their hopes for change.

Some vocal critics expressed a deeper cynicism.

“As you [NUP] have decided to take that step, I no longer trust political parties and politicians. Lastly, I will not cast my vote,” said Wizzy Jay, echoing a sentiment of despair that others shared.

As the anger boiled over, Kevin Omukungu simply stated, “time, time, time,” emphasizing the sense that changes in the political arena were always on the horizon.

Ivan K. Mugume cautioned that the timing of the NUP’s decision was particularly ill-advised, stating, “Ok, this is a very bad move; should have come after this election.”

The backlash continued as further comments articulated doubts over the NUP’s integrity and pointed out the duplicity of seeking government funds after denouncing the government’s tactics.

Even historical opponents within the political spectrum reacted with disbelief.

“So, you still trust the judicial system of Uganda?” asked Brain Craigs, while others described the party’s shift as a sellout.

“This is where Kaguta Museveni wants you to be,” suggested Solomon Lubulwa.

As the debate intensified, individuals expressed regret and sorrow over their support for NUP.

“From today, I am no longer NUP,” declared Bukenya Isa, while others argued that NUP leaders should return funds raised during the fundraising campaign due to their apparent betrayal. Such sentiments summarize the growing mistrust towards the party’s leadership.

As Ugandans sought to process this sudden and perplexing shift by the NUP, their voices rang out loud and clear: the trust once offered to the opposition has been irrevocably shaken.

Many now grapple with the complexity of a political climate where parties once seen as unyielding can flip narratives under the weight of money and opportunity.

In the eyes of the public, the NUP’s new position on joining IPOD might be seen as just another chapter in a long saga of disappointment in the quest for true political change.