KAMPALA
A section of Democratic Party (DP) members has threatened to take legal action against the party leadership, citing irregularities and violence during the party’s recent Delegates Conference held in Mbarara from May 29 to June 1.
Led by Bukoto Central Member of Parliament Richard Ssebamala, the group under the slogan “DP Great Again” condemned the chaotic events that marred the internal elections, alleging that candidates were unfairly disqualified and results manipulated.
“We are going to court. That is a done deal. We want to undress Mao till when he has nothing left,” Hon. Ssebamala told journalists on Thursday at his residence in Senge, Wakiso. “We want to expose the injustices that happened in Mbarara. We have all the evidence.”
Ssebamala, who had been vying for the party presidency, was among several candidates whose names were reportedly removed from the ballot without formal explanation. The development sparked confrontations among delegates, resulting in injuries and hospitalisations.
“We are not going to be relentless and our blood will drop DP to our last breath” Ssebamala added, accusing current party president Norbert Mao and Secretary General Gerald Siranda of orchestrating the alleged irregularities.
The delegates conference in Mbarara was characterized by scuffles, accusations of vote-rigging, and exclusion of candidates, triggering widespread condemnation among sections of the party faithful.
Speaking at the same press briefing, Ismail Kiirya, the former Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) President and a candidate for Secretary General, claimed his votes were manipulated. “The Democratic Party lost its values a long time ago,” Kiirya said.
Despite growing pressure to form a new political outfit, Ssebamala ruled out plans to break away from DP, insisting the group will remain and fight for reform from within.
“I have received requests from many people to leave DP and lead other political parties. But we are not leaving,” he said. “Eighty-nine chairpersons from across the country signed a letter urging me to stay and push for change.”
Ssebamala said the group will embark on nationwide consultations to determine the next steps, urging party members to rally behind the push for internal accountability and democratic values.
“DP was not created to be a shadow of the NRM,” he said. “We are angry. We are in pain. But this is not rage. It is strategic planning to restore our party.”
The Democratic Party leadership had not issued an official response to the allegations by press time.
