Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media suggesting that party cards for the Kawempe North constituency are being sold for a staggering shs 330 million.
The rumors, fueled by screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation purportedly involving Fred Nyanzi, also known as Chairman Nyanzi, and a contestant named Nalukoola, have caused a stir on social media.
The conversation in question allegedly involved discussions between Nyanzi, the brother of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), and Nalukoola, a lawyer vying for the Kawempe North seat.
A section of members of the public opined that the NUP’s internal processes were tainted with corruption, and that party cards were being sold to the highest bidder.
In response to the growing controversy, NUP issued a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, firmly dismissing the screenshots as “fake” and “malicious.”
“These screenshots making rounds are fake, being spread by malicious persons. Ignore and treat with contempt!,”
Lawyer, Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, whose name was mentioned in the alleged conversation, also denied any involvement in the alleged transaction.
He publicly dismissed the conversation as a fabrication and urged his supporters not to be swayed by the fake news.
“My attention has been drawn to these deepfakes. Folks, don’t let yourselves be manipulated by these cowards. Fake news and disinformation are going to be used as weapons. Stay alert,” Nalukoola said, encouraging his followers to remain steadfast in the face of the controversy.
The allegations have sparked heated debates on social media, with some defending the NUP, while others continue to question the party’s internal practices.