Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, has instructed Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the recently elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, to donate half of his car allowance to the National Unity Platform (NUP). Nalukoola took his oath of office on March 26, 2025, and is eligible to receive Shs300 million to purchase a vehicle for his parliamentary duties. Despite this significant sum, Bobi Wine has urged Nalukoola to contribute Shs150 million to assist NUP, which is currently grappling with financial challenges.
Bobi Wine emphasized that Nalukoola’s parliamentary seat was secured through the NUP’s support, underscoring the importance of loyalty and sacrifice to bolster the party’s efforts. In addition to the car allowance, Nalukoola will also receive Shs55 million in salary and allowances for March, a notable amount considering his brief time in office.
Parliament Speaker Anita Among has directed the Clerk of Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, to ensure Nalukoola receives these funds without delay. This financial support for the MP coincides with NUP’s ongoing struggle to stabilize its finances, a situation worsened by the 2023 arrest of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a major backer of the party. With external funding diminished, NUP has increasingly relied on contributions from its members.
This is not the first instance of Bobi Wine calling on MPs to redirect their parliamentary benefits to the party. In 2021, several NUP MPs resisted similar requests to share their car allowances, leading to internal friction. MPs like Kazibwe Mbazira of Kawempe South faced backlash from party leadership for their refusal.
Political observers suggest that Nalukoola’s response to this directive could shape his standing within NUP. Compliance might solidify his role in the party, while defiance could strain his ties with its leadership. Nalukoola has yet to make a public statement on the matter, leaving his decision uncertain for now.