TORONTO, CANADA – Members and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Canada Chapter held a peaceful demonstration at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, 801 Dixon Road, Toronto, protesting what the group described as the misuse of Ugandan taxpayers’ money and alleged partisan activities by Uganda’s diplomatic mission in Canada.
According to an official statement issued by NUP Canada leader Remmy Townsent Kent Ntambi, the demonstration focused on the group’s concerns about the Uganda High Commission’s alleged involvement in funding or supporting diaspora initiatives that NUP Canada considers politically aligned with the ruling establishment.
The protesters specifically raised concerns over NAUCA, which the statement described as a “fake diaspora alliance” and alleged was launched by State House operative Mohammed Bagonza. These characterizations are NUP Canada’s claims and were not independently established in the statement.
The group also criticized what it described as luxurious Independence Day celebrations for supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), arguing that public resources should instead be directed toward essential services in Uganda.
NUP Canada outlines demands
During the demonstration, NUP Canada said it presented several demands, including:
- Greater transparency and accountability in the use of Ugandan public funds.
- An audit of Embassy funds allegedly used for NAUCA-related activities and Independence Day celebrations.
- An Embassy that serves Ugandans regardless of their political affiliation.
- An end to the alleged targeting of diaspora activists, including Fred Kajubi Lumbuye.
- An end to alleged abductions, torture and killings of opposition supporters in Uganda.
- The release of what NUP Canada described as political prisoners.
The group said its central message was that Ugandan taxpayers’ money should be used to develop the country rather than support activities it regards as contributing to political repression.
Bobi Wine addresses protesters
According to the statement, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, addressed demonstrators by telephone during the event.
NUP Canada said Kyagulanyi encouraged Ugandans in the diaspora to maintain momentum, document alleged human-rights abuses and continue advocacy and solidarity efforts internationally.
The statement also said Dr. Daniel Kawuma, identified as the NUP Diaspora Team Leader, thanked participants for their presence and solidarity.
Musician King Saha was also mentioned among those who addressed or expressed support for the protesters.
NUP Canada vows to continue mobilisation
NUP Canada said the September 18 demonstration was only the beginning of a wider campaign and announced plans to continue monitoring the activities of Uganda’s diplomatic mission in Canada.
The group further said it intends to raise its concerns with Global Affairs Canada and indicated that its next mobilisation is expected to take place in British Columbia under the slogan “Twesangeeyo, Onowuulira!”
The demonstration comes amid continued political tensions among Ugandan political groups in the diaspora, particularly over the activities of the NRM, NUP and PLU and the role of Uganda’s diplomatic missions in engaging with Ugandans abroad.
The statement was signed by Remmy Townsent Kent Ntambi, NUP Canada Leader.
