The Democratic Party\u2019s (DP) 12th National Delegates Conference officially opened today at Asamar Country Hotel in Mbarara City, marking a defining moment in the party\u2019s history as it grapples with internal generational shifts and ideological disagreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Delegates from across Uganda gathered for what is expected to be a highly contested two-day event, with white and green decorations symbolizing DP\u2019s traditional identity lining the venue. Supporters of the four contenders vying for the position of President General Mityana South MP Richard Ssebamala, Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga, Alitia Elia, and incumbent Nobert Mao have already taken to lobbying and grassroots mobilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So far, only Ssebamala and Alitia had arrived by midday, while the others were expected later. Also present were Secretary General Gerald Siranda, the Uganda Young Democrats\u2019 (UYD) presidential hopeful, and a representative for the Women\u2019s League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DP National Mobilizing Secretary Herbert Rutagwera told reporters that the conference is more than just an election it\u2019s a test of the party\u2019s resilience and relevance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve invited elders from different constituencies to guide us in reconnecting with the party\u2019s core values,\u201d said Rutagwera. \u201cOur hope is to conduct peaceful elections and emerge more united.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But unity is precisely what the party is struggling with. The lingering impact of the 2022 cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)\u2014which saw current President General Nobert Mao appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs\u2014continues to divide opinion within the party. Critics say the deal compromised DP\u2019s opposition stance and betrayed its ideological roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the center of the rebellion is MP Richard Ssebamala, who represents a younger, reform-driven faction seeking to restore DP\u2019s independence and grassroots credibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been in DP for over 20 years. Only this delegates conference can decide my fate\u2014not whispers, not candidates,\u201d Ssebamala told *The Nile Post* in response to claims that his candidacy should be blocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added, \u201cI\u2019ve presented my party credentials and NEC records. I\u2019m not just a member\u2014I\u2019m a NEC deputy for Diaspora Affairs, a DP-elected MP. If I\u2019m qualified to lead the country, why not the party? My opponents are simply creating noise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ssebamala\u2019s challenge underscores a broader battle within DP\u2014between a younger, opposition-oriented bloc that wants to reassert the party\u2019s independence, and an older leadership that sees strategic collaboration as a political necessity in Uganda\u2019s ruling-party-dominated landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The conference\u2019s outcome could signal a major shift in Uganda\u2019s opposition politics. If the reformist wing gains ground, it may reenergize the party\u2019s base and reclaim lost influence. But if the current leadership retains control, DP risks further alienating supporters who see the NRM alliance as a betrayal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The choice now lies with the delegates\u2014and the future of Uganda\u2019s oldest political party may well depend on it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Democratic Party\u2019s (DP) 12th National Delegates Conference officially opened today at Asamar Country Hotel in Mbarara City, marking a defining moment in the party\u2019s history as it grapples with internal generational shifts and ideological disagreements. Delegates from across Uganda gathered for what is expected to be a highly contested two-day event, with white and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2270,"featured_media":39937,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_paywall_metabox":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[99],"tags":[270,31,109,119],"class_list":["post-39936","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-dp","tag-featured","tag-news","tag-uganda-news"],"yoast_head":"\n