Kampala, Uganda – On May 30, 2025, the Democratic Party (DP) held a fiercely contested presidential election in Mbarara District, where only 30 delegates cast their votes. Incumbent president Hon. Norbert Mao secured his fourth term, but it was Hon. Richard Sebamala, the Bukoto Central MP, who captured widespread attention as a rising star. Competing against Hon. Michael Lulume Bayiga of Buikwe North and Northern Uganda’s DP leader Alia Alita, Sebamala’s campaign showcased his vision and growing influence, positioning him as a frontrunner to lead the DP in 2031.
Sebamala, a dynamic legislator and leader of the Great Democratic Party group, is gaining traction as the party’s future torchbearer. “Our supporters know that my track record and aspirations for Uganda make me the right choice to lead the Democratic Party as its next president,” he declared confidently. His bold vision, rooted in empowering youth, fostering inclusivity, and restoring the DP’s prominence, signals a transformative agenda for Uganda’s oldest political party.
A Champion for the Marginalized
As Bukoto Central’s MP under Speaker Anita Annet Among’s parliament, Sebamala has carved a reputation as a tireless advocate for the underserved, particularly youth. His initiatives in leadership training, entrepreneurship, and sports have uplifted countless lives, transforming communities across Uganda. From mentoring young people in business ventures to fostering their civic engagement, Sebamala’s work has strengthened the DP’s grassroots base, making him a standout candidate for future leadership.
His parliamentary record reflects a fierce commitment to vulnerable groups. Sebamala has championed the rights of women, youth, and marginalized communities, pushing for equitable policies and opportunities. Through the Sebamala Foundation, he has launched community programs that bolster education, health, and sports, fostering unity and hope. His annual Sebamala Cup, a sports tournament, engages youth while promoting healthy behaviors, further cementing his connection to constituents.
#### A Visionary with Global Reach
Sebamala’s influence extends beyond Uganda’s borders. His business ventures, including Tender Bridals, which imports garments from Turkey and the United States, have forged ties with international communities in London and beyond. These global networks equip him with resources and perspectives to modernize the DP, aligning it with progressive, reform-driven ideals. His regional connections, including alliances with East African leaders like Kenya’s President William Ruto, enhance his ability to advance the party’s interests on a broader stage.
In Bukoto Central, Sebamala’s service delivery is exemplary. He actively monitors schools and health centers, supports vulnerable children, and empowers women through development programs. His hands-on approach has earned him loyalty among constituents, who see him as a leader who delivers tangible results. This grassroots credibility, coupled with his global outlook, positions him to steer the DP toward a dynamic, inclusive future.
#### A Proven Political Strategist
Sebamala’s political acumen shone in 2021 when he unseated Edward Ssekandi, a veteran legislator who held Bukoto Central for 26 years, with a decisive 9,916 votes. This landmark victory underscored his strategic thinking, mobilization skills, and appeal to voters hungry for change. His ability to challenge entrenched political structures demonstrates his readiness to lead the DP into a new era of relevance and influence.
A vocal critic of the National Resistance Movement’s 38-year grip on power, Sebamala advocates for transparency, fairness, and accountability in governance. He has called out the DP’s current leadership for failing to restore its national prominence, proposing instead a platform of constitutional reforms, youth empowerment, and inclusive development. His office, adorned with the DP’s blue flag and portraits of past presidents, reflects his deep respect for the party’s legacy and his ambition to revive its glory.
#### A Life Shaped by Discipline and Service
Born to Cyrus Ndawula and Betty Nanyonga in Gulama village, Masaka District, Sebamala grew up in a modest Catholic family that instilled values of hard work and faith. From selling coffee as a boy to fund his pocket money, he developed an entrepreneurial spirit that defines his leadership. Educated at prestigious institutions like St. Modesta Bisanje, Blessed Sacrament Kimanya, St. Bernard Nkoni, Bukalasa Seminary, Namilyango College, and Kyambogo University, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering, Sebamala blends technical expertise with political savvy and social responsibility.
His multifaceted career spans politics, business, and activism. Beyond Tender Bridals, his enterprises create jobs and opportunities, while his sports initiatives, like the Sebamala Cup, foster community cohesion. These efforts enhance his image as a practical, people-centered leader capable of steering the DP toward a brighter future.
#### A Vision for a Revitalized DP
Sebamala’s candidacy for the DP presidency is driven by a desire to unify and empower. He envisions a party that is transparent, democratic, and inclusive, prioritizing the needs of youth and marginalized groups. His focus on constitutional reforms, grassroots mobilization, and sustainable development offers a roadmap for the DP’s resurgence. With his integrity, educational background, and strategic networks, Sebamala stands out as a leader destined to redefine the party’s role in Uganda’s political landscape.
As the 2031 DP presidency race looms, Sebamala’s achievements, vision, and unwavering commitment position him as the “light and right” leader to guide the Democratic Party forward. For a party seeking renewal, Richard Sebamala represents not just hope, but a bold promise of progress.
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