Former Nansana Municipality MP aspirant, Stephen Kaweesa, has shocked the public by claiming that he paid 600 million Ugandan shillings to the National Unity Platform (NUP) for a party membership card but never received it. Kaweesa made the allegations during a live television interview, where he became visibly emotional.
During the broadcast, Kaweesa recounted how he handed over the large sum of money to the NUP leadership, including party leader Bobi Wine, expecting to receive the official party flag that would allow him to contest in the upcoming elections.
“I gave 600 million shillings to the party. I trusted them, but I never got the NUP card. I don’t know what happened to the money,” Kaweesa said, his voice breaking as he fought back tears.
He described the experience as “painful and frustrating,” saying that he had invested not only money but also hope and effort into securing a position within the party. “This was supposed to be my chance to serve the people, but it seems my trust was misplaced,” he added.
Kaweesa insisted that he had followed all the procedures required for aspirants, including providing the funds to the party through recognized channels. However, he alleges that the party leadership failed to deliver on their promise, leaving him in a difficult situation.
The former aspirant said he is now demanding accountability from the NUP leadership. “I want answers. I want to know where the money went and why I was denied the card,” he said, appealing to party officials to respond transparently.
During the interview, Kaweesa recounted how he had been a loyal supporter of the party, campaigning and mobilizing for NUP in previous elections. He said this makes the alleged betrayal even more painful.
He further explained that the sum of 600 million shillings represents a significant portion of his personal savings and business earnings, adding to the emotional and financial weight of the issue.
Kaweesa’s allegations come amid growing debates about transparency and accountability within political parties in Uganda, particularly regarding how aspirants are selected and funded.
Many viewers expressed shock and sympathy on social media following his emotional live interview, with several calling for a full investigation into the matter.
Some analysts have noted that such allegations, if true, could damage the credibility of political parties and undermine public confidence in their processes.
Kaweesa emphasized that his aim is not to attack the party but to seek justice and ensure that aspirants are treated fairly. “I respect the NUP ideology, but fairness and transparency are non-negotiable,” he said.
He revealed that despite repeated attempts to resolve the matter privately, he felt compelled to speak publicly after receiving no satisfactory response from party officials.
The former MP aspirant also urged other aspirants to be cautious and ensure that funds exchanged with political parties are properly documented and accounted for.
“I don’t want anyone else to go through what I am experiencing,” Kaweesa said, stressing the importance of accountability in political processes.
He acknowledged the emotional toll that the situation has taken on him, admitting that he felt betrayed by leaders he once trusted and supported.
During the interview, Kaweesa called on the media to investigate the allegations and report accurately, saying that transparency in public discourse is essential for democracy.
Political commentators suggest that Kaweesa’s claims could spark internal party investigations and may pressure the NUP leadership to clarify its procedures for aspirant funding and card issuance.
While Kaweesa’s allegations have not yet been independently verified, the public reaction has been intense, reflecting widespread concern over political accountability and ethical conduct.
The former Nansana MP aspirant concluded by expressing hope that justice will prevail, and that political aspirants across Uganda will be treated fairly and transparently in future processes.
