Senior Reporter
Leaders of the UPC in Rukiga and Rubanda Districts have attributed the party’s recent setbacks to insufficient funds, which have hindered crucial activities. According to Medard Gumusiriza, the UPC Chairperson in Kamwezi Sub County, Rukiga District, the lack of financial resources has made it challenging to acquire branding materials essential for increasing the party’s visibility. He expressed concern over the difficulty in identifying UPC supporters due to the absence of distinct party attire, which is crucial for garnering support in the Kigezi Sub-region.
Gumusiriza also criticized the National Resistance Movement Party for allegedly suppressing opposition activities, citing instances where security forces obstructed opposition events. He called upon the ruling government to ensure a fair playing field, allowing opposition parties to compete freely for electoral positions, including the presidency.
Similarly, Obed Habasa, the UPC Chairman for Rubanda District, voiced similar concerns, attributing the decline of opposition parties to tactics employed by the ruling party aimed at discrediting and demoralizing them, thus affecting their electoral prospects.
Habasa emphasized the supporters’ concerns regarding the Party President’s lack of active involvement in presidential elections, which has raised questions about the party’s future direction and leadership.
To rejuvenate the party, the Party President, during a visit to the Kigezi Sub-region on May 4, 2024, inaugurated new Party Offices in Kabale town and announced intentions to contest the 2026 presidential elections, signaling a renewed commitment to political engagement and participation.
