Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala has called on staunch Democratic Party (DP) members to rally in Soroti City for a crucial meeting aimed at reclaiming the party from what he describes as its current state of captivity.
Mr Sebamala, who has declared his bid for DP President General, insists that failure to reclaim the party from Norbert Mao—now serving as Minister of Justice in President Yoweri Museveni’s government—could mark the end of Uganda’s oldest political party.
DP will hold its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Soroti from March 5 to 6, followed by the National Council meeting on March 7. Sebamala believes these meetings present a pivotal opportunity for DP leaders and members to restore the party’s integrity and purpose.
“DP lost its way under Mao, and we must seize this chance to reclaim it while we still can,” Sebamala told this publication.
“This is our only opportunity. We cannot afford to sit back and allow a few individuals who personally benefit from holding the party hostage to determine its fate.”
DP is expected to hold its Delegates Conference in Mbarara later this year, where Sebamala will likely challenge Mao in what many describe as a battle for the party’s soul. With Mao’s strong financial backing and incumbency, the race is expected to be fiercely contested.
Allegations of Voter Manipulation
As DP approaches these critical meetings, tensions are mounting over allegations of irregularities in delegate registration. Critics accuse the current leadership of manipulating the DP register by selectively enrolling delegates who favor Mao while sidelining party members who oppose his leadership.
The DP constitution requires at least one-third of Uganda’s districts to be represented in the voting process. However, Mao’s team—led by the party’s Organizing Secretary—has allegedly begun registering delegates from districts with little DP support, such as Kisoro, while excluding those from traditional DP strongholds, where frustration with Mao’s leadership is growing.
Mr Sebamala and his supporters argue that such tactics are designed to tilt the upcoming elections in favor of Mao, ensuring his continued grip on the party.
As DP heads toward its most consequential leadership contest in years, the question remains: Will party members unite to reclaim their party, or will internal divisions further weaken DP’s influence on Uganda’s political landscape?
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