The National Unity Platform (NUP) has moved to expand its presence across Uganda with the opening of new regional offices, a move defended by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, as fully lawful.
Otafiire said there is no legislation preventing registered political parties from establishing offices in different parts of the country.
“Is there any law that bars Kyagulanyi from opening a regional political office? Tell me any law that prohibits Kyagulanyi from opening political offices when he holds a license for political parties from the Electoral Commission,” he said.
The statement comes in the wake of the party’s western regional office inauguration in Mbarara City, following the opening of the eastern regional headquarters in Iganga District in August.
Bobi Wine, the party’s leader, explained that the Iganga office was developed discreetly to avoid political interference. Land was acquired quietly, construction completed, and branding installed just hours before the official launch.
Otafiire criticized the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for raising objections instead of focusing on their own party activities.
“If NRM is weak or unwilling to work, stop complaining about Kyagulanyi. Borrow a leaf and open yours as well. You are seated there complaining that Kyagulanyi has opened a new regional office, what are you doing yourself? There is no law that prohibits Kyagulanyi from opening offices across the country. He has a license to operate a political party and open regional offices,” he said.
According to NUP officials, the establishment of regional offices is aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilization, building local structures, and enhancing the party’s organizational capacity nationwide ahead of upcoming elections.
Political analysts note that expanding regional presence allows opposition parties like NUP to reach supporters more effectively and challenge the dominance of the ruling party at the local level.
