Hon. Sebamala, a prominent and wealthy Democratic Party (DP) stalwart, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the DP, dismissing rumors of sponsorship by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Speaker Anita Among while rejecting calls to join the National Unity Platform (NUP) or Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
In a fiery statement, Sebamala declared, “We are not leaving DP. We have no reason for leaving,” emphasizing his commitment to revitalizing the party through grassroots mobilization. His bold remarks, coupled with surprising praise for NUP leader Bobi Wine and cryptic revelations about his influence over life-and-death decisions within the DP, position him as a complex figure in Uganda’s turbulent political landscape.
Sebamala categorically denied allegations of financial backing from Nabbanja and Among, calling such claims baseless attempts to undermine his credibility. “I am my own man, driven by my conviction in the DP’s vision,” he asserted, reinforcing his independence and loyalty to the party’s principles of social justice and democratic governance. His pledge to “keep mobilizing for the party” signals a proactive strategy to strengthen the DP’s foothold, particularly in regions where its influence has waned, leveraging his resources to rally supporters and counter the allure of newer opposition movements like NUP.
In a surprising twist, Sebamala expressed admiration for Bobi Wine, crediting the NUP leader with transforming Uganda’s youth from idle pastimes to political activism. “I like Bobi Wine because he has taken youths from playing ludo to become politically active—they are now all voters,” he said, acknowledging NUP’s success in mobilizing younger generations. However, he stopped short of endorsing a merger, emphasizing that the DP’s distinct identity remains vital to Uganda’s opposition ecosystem. This nuanced stance highlights Sebamala’s ability to balance respect for rival leaders with steadfast loyalty to his party.
Sebamala’s remarks took a darker tone when he referenced his influence in Mbarara, claiming, “If I wanted to do politics, Mbarara would have become a slaughterhouse.” He revealed a chilling moment when he held “the cards of life or death” for DP leaders, including Minister Norbert Mao, Mukasa Mbidde, Gerald Siranda, Willy Mayambala, and others. “For 10 minutes, DP supporters wanted them dead, but I chose to have them live,” he said, hinting at his ability to quell potentially violent factionalism within the party. This revelation underscores his significant sway over DP’s internal dynamics and raises questions about the party’s unity.
As Uganda’s opposition grapples with fragmentation, Sebamala’s stance could either bolster the DP’s resilience or deepen its isolation. Critics argue his refusal to align with NUP or FDC risks weakening the broader anti-NRM coalition, while supporters see his independence as a strength, preserving the DP’s legacy. With his wealth, influence, and mobilization efforts, Sebamala is poised to shape the DP’s future, making him a pivotal figure to watch as Uganda approaches its next electoral cycle.
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