A Brief Peep into The NUP Manifesto for 2021 – 2026! But Do They Still Follow It?

The National Unity Platform (NUP), a political movement that originated from the People Power movement, and its manifesto, outlining its vision for an inclusive, peaceful, and democratic Uganda.
The party aims to end Uganda’s 35-year rule under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) through free and fair elections, while promising a governance system rooted in constitutional democracy and social justice.
NUP’s core message emphasizes the need for a peaceful transition of power, in line with Article 1 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which states that all power belongs to the people. The party stresses that this transition can only be achieved through the ballot, urging Ugandans to rally behind the vision of a people’s choice government.
“We seek to deliver the first ever non-violent transfer of political power in Uganda’s history. Our goal is to establish a government that guarantees respect for the constitution and is governed by the rule of law and principles of social justice,” the manifesto states.
A People-Centered Agenda
NUP envisions a future where all Ugandans have access to quality education, healthcare, and social services. The party describes these as fundamental rights, not privileges, and commits to reforms that will ensure equitable access for all citizens. The manifesto emphasizes that such reforms are achievable, pointing to NUP’s grassroots support as evidence of the party’s ability to bring about meaningful change.
“Our leadership is built from the grassroots to the national level, and we are confident that the numbers are on our side to vote in a new government. We are the change we want to see,” NUP declares.
The manifesto also highlights the urgent need for reforms in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. NUP believes that by focusing on people-centered governance, Uganda can achieve its full potential and address the existing deficits in these areas.
Criticism of NRM Rule
The NUP’s manifesto sharply criticizes the ruling NRM government, attributing Uganda’s current socio-economic challenges to years of mismanagement. It points to the failure of government programs, deteriorating international relations, and shrinking investment in critical sectors such as health and education as evidence of the need for change.
“Allowing the NRM to continue misruling the country will only prolong Uganda’s struggle to recover. Our youth will continue to leave school early in search of menial jobs abroad, and the disease burden will increase as healthcare funding continues to decline,” the manifesto warns.
The party further argues that under continued NRM rule, Uganda risks losing its natural resources without benefiting from them, and warns that the country’s growing debt burden will further erode its economic independence.
A Call for Unity and Action
In its manifesto, the National Unity Platform calls on Ugandans to unite for a peaceful transition and to use the power of the vote to bring about change. The party is confident that by embracing peaceful political participation, Uganda can finally transition to a government that prioritizes the needs of its citizens.
As the 2026 elections draw nearer, Does NUP remain committed to its message of hope, change, and the promise of a better Uganda, one that thrives under democratic governance and ensures equal opportunity for all?