NUP mobilization meeting in Zombo turns chaotic over food

Zombo: A grassroots mobilization meeting organized by the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Zombo District spiralled into chaos after participants, many of whom had traveled long distances, expressed anger over the lack of meals and transport allowances.

The meeting, held at Daudi Cotts in Paidha Town Council, was part of NUP’s broader effort to establish party structures across Greater Nebbi, including Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo, with plans to expand to Madi-Okolo.

Despite successfully electing district representatives, the post-election environment turned hostile as attendees realized no provisions had been made for food or transportation.

The event, overseen by Dr. Moses Kanabi, NUP’s National Organizing Secretary, began at 10:00 AM and ran for much of the day.

Frustrated youth confronted Dr. Kanabi, demanding accountability for what they termed a poorly planned national event.

“You mobilized us early in the morning, yet you can’t provide a simple lunch. What kind of mobilization is this?” a participant named Bhakit asked in the Alur dialect.

Others, including Francis Ogen and Okello from Padea, criticized the national secretariat for failing to budget for basic participant needs, despite the party receiving state funding as Uganda’s second-largest political organization.

Tensions escalated when the venue’s management locked the gates, temporarily detaining Dr. Kanabi over an unpaid UGX 200,000 refreshments bill. The venue administrator threatened to involve the District Police Commander, prompting a 30-minute standoff.

Dr. Kanabi eventually left his vehicle to settle the bill but deflected responsibility, saying, “I didn’t mobilize these people to come here. Let them resolve this with the local leaders.”

The Zombo district NUP chairperson Patrick Anecho acknowledged the strain on local resources, stating that local organizers had been covering expenses out of pocket.

“We’ve been using our own funds for secretarial services. How can we cover these bills without support?”

The meeting ended with some participants tearing up their NUP membership cards, chanting insults, and vowing never to attend similar events again.

Dr. Kanabi had earlier urged the crowd to “paint Zombo red” in the next election, but the day’s events cast serious doubt on NUP’s organizational strength in a district where the ruling NRM secured over 90% of the vote in 2021.

The incident laid bare the lack of coordination between national and local party structures, with grassroots leaders expressing helplessness.

“This was a nationally organized event. The secretariat must streamline resource allocation to avoid such failures,” said one newly elected local leader.

Stakeholders urged the party to adopt better logistical planning and conflict resolution mechanisms to maintain its credibility and grow its base.

NUP faces a tough challenge in Zombo, a traditional NRM stronghold, and the botched event risks further alienating potential supporters. Frustrations are compounded by broader regional grievances, including the government’s continued failure to rehabilitate the 119-kilometer Nebbi–Goli–Paidha–Warr–Vuura road, a key infrastructure promise.

Observers say if NUP is serious about challenging the status quo in West Nile, it must urgently professionalize its grassroots engagements and rebuild trust among its base.

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