UDP’s Kebba Sabally Calls on President Barrow to Disclose Source of D50 Million Fund for NPP Women

Kebba Sabally- UDP Diaspora

By Makutu Manneh

Kebba Sabally, a member of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has called on President Adama Barrow to disclose the source of the D50 million empowerment fund announced for women of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), arguing that the use of public-facing funds must be transparent and accountable.

Speaking on Kerr Fatou’s Politic Kaacha programme on Tuesday, Sabally said the president, as head of state, has a responsibility to explain the origin of funds disbursed under his authority. He maintained that transparency is essential for public trust and governance.

Sabally also questioned the decision to designate the initiative specifically as an NPP women’s enterprise fund, contending that the president represents the entire country and that women should benefit from such programmes regardless of political affiliation.

“Leaders who serve the true sprit of presidency serve everybody. I want to know where this fund is coming from. A corrupt government like Barrow’s government talking about such a million should tell people where the money is coming from,” he said.He further criticised the NPP’s fundraising efforts, alleging a lack of transparency and claiming that party fundraising activities have produced limited results. By contrast, Sabally said the UDP’s fundraising has grown over the years and is supported openly by party members.

During the programme, Sabally was reminded of President Barrow’s remarks at the launch of the D50 million women’s enterprise fund, where the president described the initiative as part of broader national development and said similar efforts could be replicated by others with the capacity and commitment to do so.

In response, Sabally said the UDP continues to contribute to national development despite being outside government and without access to public funds. He argued that, unlike opposition parties, the president is accountable to all taxpayers for decisions involving public resources.

“Nobody can hold us accountable on this but for President Barrow everyone can hold him accountable whether part of his party or not because all tax payers pay their money to him. This why when he is involve in any money issue everybody has the right to question him,” he said.Sabally also suggested that the initiative was politically motivated ahead of the 2026 presidential election, a claim the government has previously rejected in similar contexts. He accused President Barrow of failing to honour commitments made earlier in his tenure, including a pledge not to serve more than two terms.

Sabally also criticised President Barrow’s leadership, arguing that the president reflects a wider African governance challenge in which leaders are unwilling to step aside once in power. He alleged that Barrow’s actions have brought hardship to Gambians living both in the country and in the diaspora.

“He is a betrayer. He will say things and will not fulfill them. He said it here that he will not serve for more than two terms but he is not fulfilling it,” he stated.