By James Alomu

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has launched a nationwide campaign to mobilize Ugandan youth to cast a protest vote in response to what the party describes as deepening government neglect, corruption, and the marginalization of young people.

The campaign was officially unveiled in Soroti City, Teso sub-region, where Nnatabi Maria Ledochowska, the NUP Eastern Youth Coordinator, addressed a passionate gathering of supporters. In her remarks, she urged the youth to reject complacency and hold political leaders accountable for their silence on critical issues affecting young Ugandans.

“We are protesting against a system that has failed to deliver opportunities for the youth,” Maria said. “We are calling out young leaders who remain silent while our peers are being kidnapped, tortured, and dehumanized. Enough is enough.”

Maria cited numerous concerns, including widespread allegations of human rights violations, the rising cost of living, and what she described as a culture of bribery and nepotism in public service recruitment. “Our youth do not have the money to buy jobs. They are locked out of opportunities because corruption has become the gatekeeper,” she stated.

Also speaking at the launch was Max Aisu, NUP’s Secretary for Institutions, who reinforced the party’s call for a mass youth-led movement at the ballot box. Aisu condemned what he termed police intimidation of opposition supporters and urged resilience among voters.

“We know the challenges, but we also know our power,” Aisu said. “I urge all voters, especially the youth, to go out and elect NUP leaders who will fight for their future.”

Several youth attendees expressed their frustration with the current leadership, pledging to support NUP in the upcoming elections. “We are tired of promises without action. It’s time we showed our strength through the vote,” one young man told reporters.

The protest vote campaign is part of NUP’s broader grassroots mobilization strategy as the country prepares for the next general elections. The party is banking on youth frustration to shift the political tide and challenge the ruling establishment’s grip on power.

Uganda’s youth, who make up the majority of the population, are seen as a critical demographic in shaping the country’s political future. With unemployment, inequality, and governance issues at the forefront, NUP hopes to translate growing dissent into electoral gains.

The party has vowed to continue its campaign across all regions in the coming months, despite growing tensions and what it calls increasing pressure from security forces.