In a spirited show of solidarity and political awakening, the National Unity Platform (NUP) on Tuesday officially launched its campaign strategy for the Teso Sub-region with the unveiling of Members of Parliament (MP) and LCV aspirants, alongside the party’s Presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
The highly anticipated event, held at the NUP Secretariat, served as a triple declaration, marking the unveiling of Teso sub-region leaders, the NUP official campaign poster, and the party’s 2026 Presidential roadmap. It attracted hundreds of party supporters, youth activists, regional mobilizers, and media houses from across the country.
Taking to the podium, Hon. Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, delivered a commanding keynote address where he decried the deepening corruption, state brutality, human rights violations, tribalism, and regional segregation that have become synonymous with the ruling NRM regime.
“The mission before us is bigger than politics, it is about justice, equity, and restoring the dignity of our people,” Kyagulanyi charged. “We must reject the politics of division, stop the cheap infighting, and unite around a shared dream of a better Uganda. We are not fighting individuals; we are dismantling a system that has failed our generation.”
Among the standout leaders introduced to the nation was Hon. Emuk Benjamen, the NUP flag-bearer for Bukedea County Member of Parliament, whose rise from humble beginnings to national prominence is fast inspiring a movement of transformation in Eastern Uganda.
EMUK: The People’s Voice for Bukedea County; Who is Emuk Benjamen?
A seasoned journalist and public relations executive, Emuk Benjamen has spent over a decade championing truth, transparency, and social justice.
Born and raised in Bukedea District, Emuk is not a stranger to the region’s struggles, he’s lived them. From the dry spell-stricken farmlands to the underfunded schools, inaccessible healthcare, and joblessness among youth, Emuk has not only seen the cracks, he has been on the frontlines advocating for change. “My interest in representing Bukedea County in Parliament is driven by purpose, passion, and a personal commitment to see my community rise beyond its limitations,” he stated during his unveiling.
“I’ve walked the dusty roads of Bukedea. I’ve listened to farmers, mothers, teachers, and the youth. I understand their pain, but more importantly, I know their unrealized potential. For too long, we’ve had leaders who sit in power but forget the people.”
A graduate of Kampala International University with a diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, Emuk built his media career working for top media houses like Chimpreports and Kampala Sqoop, later transitioning to Public Relations at the reputable Fireworks Advertising under Brainchild BCW Africa, managing high-profile brands including Airtel Uganda, TotalEnergies EP, aBi and the MasterCard Foundation among others.
His interview-driven journalism style earned him respect across the political, entertainment, and development spheres—interviewing global stars and national leaders while consistently centering local community voices.
But to Emuk, it was never about fame. “While others made politics their comfort zone, I made people my priority,” he emphasized.
“Now, I want to do more than just report the issues—I want to solve them.”
Hon. Julius Ocen: A Cry for Justice in Teso
Also unveiled was Hon. Julius Ocen, former Member of Parliament for Kapelebyong, now seeking a return to Parliament under the NUP ticket. Ocen used the platform to raise one of the most urgent issues facing the Teso sub-region—the hijacking of the war compensation scheme meant for victims of the LRA insurgency and cattle raids.
“The people of Teso have suffered. Our livestock was stolen, our families broken, and our land ravaged. The government promised compensation—but this process has been hijacked by regime agents, and the real victims have been sidelined and silenced,” Ocen passionately stated.
“We are demanding justice. Not selective payments, not ghost beneficiaries, but full and fair compensation for the true claimants. NUP will restore the voice of Teso and hold the state accountable.”
Ocen’s remarks sparked applause and reaffirmed the urgent need for a people-first leadership that puts justice above politics. The event was more than a political unveiling—it was a statement of intent, urgency, and hope. From addressing stolen war compensations, to youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, failed education systems, and land grabbing, NUP’s Teso team has vowed to be the bridge between pain and progress.
The People’s Campaign for Bukedea
Joining Emuk at the unveiling was Hon. Mercy Marion Alupo, NUP’s aspiring Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, who echoed a powerful rallying cry for generational leadership and grassroots liberation.
“Our time is now. This isn’t just about replacing faces—it’s about replacing systems that have kept our people oppressed,” Alupo declared.
“We are standing to reclaim Bukedea, Teso, and Uganda from bad leadership, and we invite every young person, every mother, every farmer to join this movement.” She added, “Bad leadership is not just a curse—it’s a choice we’ve been forced to live with. But now we choose differently.”
“We choose service over selfishness, truth over intimidation, and unity over tribalism. It is time to liberate Bukedea, Teso, and all of Uganda.”
A New Wave in Teso Politics
The unveiling marked a turning point in Teso sub-region politics, where for years, opposition movements struggled to gain traction against entrenched ruling party networks. But with leaders like Emuk and Alupo rising from the very communities they seek to serve, NUP is offering more than promises—it is offering proven passion, rooted representation, and people-powered reform.
With their campaigns grounded in themes of youth empowerment, inclusive development, education and healthcare reform, and agricultural transformation, the NUP Bukedea aspirants are poised to give the electorate a genuine alternative.
As the 2026 General Elections approach, the message from NUP is crystal clear: Uganda deserves better, and the time for change is now. And the call from Teso is echoing loudly:
It’s time for real leaders, real justice, and real change. Uganda deserves better
