Opposition Leader David Lewis Rubongoya Discusses NUP School of Leadership Meeting with Police
David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of Uganda’s largest opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), recently met with the police to discuss the NUP School of Leadership. During the meeting, several key questions were raised regarding the school’s establishment, enrollment, curriculum, and funding.
The police officials inquired about the reasons behind establishing the school, the number of students enrolled, admission criteria, target demographics, and the composition of facilitators, including whether they include foreigners. They also sought information on the school’s funding sources and the duration and content of its programs.
A significant concern expressed by the police was based on information suggesting that the school might be teaching tactics involving violence and strategies to overthrow the current regime, potentially drawing from models used in other countries.
Rubongoya clarified that the school functions as a party initiative aimed at training leaders in various aspects of leadership and citizenship. He emphasized that it operates within legal frameworks and serves as a platform for educational activities aligned with the party’s goals.
Despite assurances of compliance with the law, the police indicated their intention to monitor the school’s activities closely. Rubongoya acknowledged their oversight role and expressed willingness to cooperate while asserting the school’s right to operate within lawful boundaries.
A contentious point arose when the police requested weekly submissions from the school to the Division Police Commander (DPC) of Kira Road Police outlining the topics to be covered by different facilitators. Rubongoya and the NUP strongly opposed this request, viewing it as potentially intrusive into the school’s autonomy and educational freedom.
Rubongoya voiced concerns that the meeting might signal initial steps toward efforts to shut down the school. He expressed hope that ongoing dialogue would prevent such actions. He reaffirmed the NUP’s commitment to maintaining the school’s operations while respecting legal obligations.
