EXPOSED!! How NUP Reportedly Cashed 22.8 Billion From IPOD Dealings

Tensions are rising within Uganda’s political landscape following revelations that the National Unity Platform (NUP) allegedly received Shs22.8 billion in public funds through the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) and Electoral Commission allocations—despite not being a formal participant in IPOD.

The disclosure was made during a special broadcast on CBS FM, where Dr. Lawrence Sserwambala, Executive Director of IPOD, openly discussed how political parties in Parliament have benefited from government funding. He was joined by political figures including Dr. Abed Bwanika, Erias Lukwago, and Moses Kasibante.

According to Sserwambala, political parties with parliamentary representation are entitled to a share of the Shs45 billion fund intended to support their operations and reduce reliance on foreign donors. However, what shocked many listeners was the revelation that NUP—led by Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine—had received Shs22.8 billion under the previous funding framework, before officially applying to join IPOD.

The announcement sparked immediate backlash from some members of the public, particularly NUP supporters, who called into the program expressing concern over transparency. Many demanded accountability and clarity on how the funds had been used.

Dr. Abed Bwanika used the moment to urge Bobi Wine to formally engage with IPOD and attend dialogue meetings with President Yoweri Museveni and other party leaders. He argued that participation would enable NUP to push for critical issues, including the release of detained supporters, and better prepare for the 2026 general elections.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that President Museveni is considering disbursing Shs10 billion in arrears to opposition parties such as the FDC, DP, UPC, and Jeema, who reportedly missed out on funding in 2021. Each party could receive up to Shs2 billion, possibly with accrued interest.

The development has triggered mixed reactions within the opposition. While some leaders, including Erias Lukwago, have warned that such funding may be a tactic to weaken dissent, others see it as a chance to build party capacity, organize, and engage more constructively ahead of the next election cycle.

As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 polls, the controversy has exposed growing rifts among opposition parties and raised urgent questions about transparency, political strategy, and the role of state funding in shaping the democratic process.