The National Unity Platform (NUP) has defied a combined security raid that halted its School of Leadership in Kamwokya, just recently, by reopening it with renewed energy. The raid, which happened last week, saw security operatives storming the NUP offices, taking away educational materials, and allegedly destroying property. Despite intimidation, the opposition party has taken a new breath, commencing classes on Monday with a very clear message: nothing shall discourage their pursuit of a better Uganda. NUP Secretary General, Lewis Rubongoya, made the revelation on an X (formerly Twitter) post, congratulating the willpower of the learners and the teachers.

He singled out the bravery of Alex Rovans Lwanyaga, a teacher who returned to teach his class of elected officials hours after his arrest and reported torture. “When you’re motivated by desire for a better country, nothing can hold you back!” Rubongoya wrote, adopting the defiant spirit of the party. The School of Leadership, which is a key element of NUP’s capacity building program, was opened to train party members, especially elected representatives, in leadership and governance. The recent raid was seen by many as an attempt to muzzle political education at the party.

Security agents allegedly carried away textbooks and other study materials, leaving the school in disarray. But the government still has not explained the operation in detail, leaving a lot of questions unanswered. Police officials claimed that they collected a series of exhibits during the raid, which according to them, will be used in an on-going investigation. NUP officials, however, have branded the raid as intimidation aimed at demoralizing the party’s effort to empower its members. Despite the crackdown, the opposition party is determined to train its members and prepare them for leadership. The opening of the School of Leadership is a show of NUP’s determination and commitment. The party has signaled that it is not going to be harassed or intimidated. Instead, it is redoubling its efforts to equip its members with the skills and information needed to lead.

This resistance has resonated deeply with Ugandans, who see the school as a beacon of hope for a brighter tomorrow. The re-opening and raid have also sparked a broader debate on freedom of education and political liberty in Uganda. A number of individuals have attacked the government for what they see as an attempt at muzzling opposition voices and limiting political education. The NUP leaders condemned the raid as a strike against democracy, advocating for empowerment of citizens through training and education.

Despite the problems, the School of Leadership keeps pulling more and more students. The trainings, ranging from governance to grassroots organizing, present an entire subject matter on which NUP members are being provided with the skill-building tools with which to create a better future for their community. Reopening of the school has been welcomed by party members, who see it as a step in the right direction towards consolidating and uniting the opposition.

The NUP’s perseverance against persecution has raised hope in the hearts of Ugandans, who see the party as a light at the end of the tunnel and an example of determination. Reopening the School of Leadership has sent a very strong message: intimidation will not scare them away from fighting for a better Uganda.

The survival of the school is proof that education and empowerment are essential tools for building a more equitable and fair society. As the NUP goes on, its resilience and preparedness of its members for the future is a priority. The School of Leadership is central in this endeavor, providing a platform for learning, empowerment, and growth. In spite of the challenges, the party remains resolute in pursuing its visions of Uganda where every citizen is able to thrive. The raid was likely intended to disrupt the NUP, but it has instead strengthened their resolve. The reopening of the School of Leadership is a clear indication that the party is not disappearing, and that their efforts to build a better Uganda will continue despite challenges. For the NUP and its faithful, the fight for a better tomorrow is only beginning.