Kyagulanyi takes 2026 election fundraising campaign abroad

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National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi has taken his party’s fundraising campaign for the 2026 general election abroad.

The main opposition party is seeking sh9b in donations to fund its campaign activities across the country.

Kyagulanyi took to X, formerly Twitter, on August 4, 2025, to announce that he had concluded his visit to Canada, where he spent two days “touching base with Ugandan comrades living there”.

He said he and his compatriots in Canada discussed ways to continue the struggle for “freedom and good governance” back home.

“Our activities included attending the 2025 NUP Canada Convention held at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel, church service, social events, and meetings with leaders of our Chapter in Canada,” Kyagulanyi said.

The musician-turned-politician added that his next destination would be Massachusetts in the United States, where he is expected to attend the 5th Annual NUP Diaspora Convention running from August 7 to August 13, 2025.

Coffers hit over sh604m

On July 30, 2025, NUP’s fundraising secretary and Kiboga District Woman MP, Christine Nakimwero, said they had so far raised over sh604m in donations.

She was giving an update on the fundraising drive, which began on July 7, 2025.

“On the first day of the campaign, we received pledges of over sh1.135b. As we speak now, we have got sh604m in cash. Thank you so much,” she told a gathering in Luganda at the party headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, Kampala.

Analysts say running a top political party requires large sums of money, particularly in the run-up to general elections.

“As we approach the 2026 election, we shall need resources to campaign, support our candidates and run many activities,” Kyagulanyi said on X while appealing for funds on July 6, 2025.

He claimed that over the past few years, many people had reached out asking how they could contribute financially and be part of their campaign to “save motherland”.

“Our answer has always been that we would do that at an opportune time when there is great need,” he added.

What the law says

Financing of political parties is regulated by the Political Parties and Organisations Act (PPOA), while rules on campaign financing for presidential elections are laid out in the Presidential Elections Act (PEA).

Political parties represented in Parliament receive government funding based on their numerical strength in the House. As a result, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) receives the largest share, which is deposited directly to the party’s headquarters.

Parties can use these funds for regular activities, campaigns or transfer them to local offices or candidates without restrictions.

They are also permitted to raise money through membership subscription fees and the sale of party paraphernalia. In addition, they may collect unlimited donations from individuals and private legal entities.

However, foreign donations to political parties are limited by legislation. A political party may not receive more than sh400m in donations from abroad within a 12-month period.

Some parties receive support from UK and US-based political parties with which they are affiliated, such as the Labour Party, Conservative Party, Democratic Party and Republican Party, to help finance their campaigns.

Nonetheless, foreign donations remain widespread and are often underreported.