Protests Erupt in Vancouver as NUP Canada Chapter Clashes With NRM-Funded NAUCA Over Abductions In Uganda
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, October 12, 2026 — Members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Canada Chapter have staged two peaceful demonstrations in Vancouver, British Columbia, protesting against the National Association of Ugandan Canadians (NAUCA) and what they describe as efforts to promote the interests of Uganda’s ruling government among diaspora communities.
In a statement issued on October 12, the NUP Canada Chapter said the demonstrations were organised to challenge what it characterised as a diaspora alliance backed by Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). The chapter also used the protests to raise concerns about Uganda’s disputed election results, alleged corruption, human rights violations and violence against opposition supporters.
The demonstrations reflect continuing political tensions within sections of the Ugandan diaspora, where rival groups have disagreed over Uganda’s political leadership, electoral legitimacy and the role of diaspora organisations in representing Ugandans abroad.
NUP Condemns Alleged State-Sanctioned Violence
The NUP Canada Chapter said its protests were intended to draw international attention to what it described as state-sanctioned killings of government critics, arbitrary arrests and imprisonment of human rights defenders and opposition supporters in Uganda.
The chapter expressed concern over allegations of violence targeting supporters of NUP, the opposition party led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as well as individuals involved in documenting and challenging human rights abuses.
Opposition groups and human rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about alleged abductions, unlawful detention, torture and restrictions on political activities in Uganda. The NUP Canada Chapter argued that such allegations require greater international scrutiny and accountability.
The group also criticised what it described as insufficient international action in response to alleged abuses, calling on the Canadian government to use its diplomatic influence to press for respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law in Uganda.
Calls on Canada to Take Action
In its statement, the chapter appealed to Canada, which has publicly supported democratic governance and human rights internationally, to take a firmer position on Uganda’s political and human rights situation.
The group called for accountability for individuals implicated in alleged abuses and urged the international community not to accept disputed election outcomes or remain silent over reports of violence against political opponents.
“We, in the diaspora, refuse to normalize fraud. We refuse to be silent while our brothers and sisters suffer,” the statement said.
The chapter added that it would continue using lawful and peaceful means in Canada to raise awareness about alleged abuses and advocate for political change in Uganda.
NUP Thanks Vancouver Authorities
The NUP Canada Chapter thanked the City of Vancouver and law enforcement officers for helping ensure that the two demonstrations proceeded peacefully and lawfully.
The group emphasised that its activities were intended to exercise the right to peaceful assembly and draw attention to concerns about Uganda’s political situation.
The demonstrations also highlight how political disputes in Uganda continue to shape activism among Ugandans living abroad, with diaspora organisations using public protests, advocacy campaigns and engagement with Canadian institutions to influence international attention on developments back home.
“The Struggle Continues”
The statement was signed by Remmy Townsent Kent Ntambi, identified as the leader of the NUP Canada Chapter.
Closing the statement with the slogan “For God and My Country,” the chapter said it would continue advocating for what it described as a free and democratic Uganda, insisting that its members would not abandon peaceful activism until their concerns about electoral integrity, human rights and political accountability were addressed.
The allegations against NAUCA regarding its relationship with the NRM, as well as the claims of state-sponsored killings and other human rights abuses, are attributed to the NUP Canada Chapter. Independent corroboration and responses from NAUCA and the Ugandan government were not included in the statement provided.
