MASAKA
Hon. Sebamala Richard, the Democratic Party (DP) Chairman for Masaka District, has petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, over what he terms as “illegal amendments” to the party’s constitution, which he claims are aimed at manipulating upcoming internal elections.
In a strongly worded letter dated April 7, 2025, Sebamala raised concerns about amendments made during the DP Delegates’ Conference held in Gulu on September 18, 2020. The amendments, particularly those introducing new offices within the party, have not been submitted to the Electoral Commission within the legally required 21-day window as mandated by Section 11(4) of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, 2005.
“This oversight renders these changes inadmissible for gazettement,” Sebamala wrote. He further alleged that a group of party officials, led by the Secretary General, is attempting to unlawfully submit the amendments in a bid to influence the outcome of the party’s forthcoming internal elections.
Sebamala warned that such actions threaten the democratic principles of the party and could trigger legal consequences for the Electoral Commission should it endorse the changes without following due process.
“I hereby put the Electoral Commission on notice that if these illegalities are undertaken, I will have no choice but to initiate legal proceedings,” the Masaka DP Chairman stated.
He called on the EC to resist any unlawful validation of the amendments and to protect the integrity of Uganda’s political party system by upholding the law.
The Electoral Commission has yet to issue a formal response to the letter.
This latest development adds to the growing internal friction within the Democratic Party, as the party gears up for leadership elections amid increasing scrutiny over its governance and transparency.
