By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
A section of members of the Democratic Party (DP) under the pressure group DP at Heart has petitioned the Inspectorate of Government (IG) and the Electoral Commission (EC), demanding a forensic audit into the party’s finances and operations over alleged mismanagement of funds and assets.
In separate letters addressed to the two institutions, the group accused the party leadership led by DP president and Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister-designate, Norbert Mao, of abuse of office, fraudulent disposal of party property and failure to comply with the Leadership Code Act.
Addressing journalists at Bativa Hotel, Bat Valley in Kampala on Saturday, the group cited the 2025 National Delegates Conference in Mbarara, alleging that delegates were charged high nomination and participation fees which have never been accounted for.
The group alleged that accountability documents and receipts were forged to conceal diversion of funds.
“These actions, if proven, amount to embezzlement, false accounting, causing financial loss and abuse of office under the Anti-Corruption Act,” the group said.
The members also accused party leaders of fraudulently disposing of the party’s printing press, which was acquired ahead of the 2016 General Election to support campaign and party activities.
“We have a missing printing press which was bought before the 2016 delegates conference. This printing press, we lost it, and we don’t know where it is. However, it is presumed that it was sold off that’s why they are so much silent about it. Now we are interesting the IG in the quantum matters regarding corruption,” the group claimed.
They further raised concerns over alleged irregular amendments to the party constitution that was submitted to the Electoral Commission.
The group claimed that certain clauses were inserted into the constitution without proper approval before it was submitted to the commission.
“We request the Electoral Commission to clarify which version of the DP constitution is recognised as valid,” the group said.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the head of the group, Ismail Kiirya urged the Inspectorate of Government to investigate alleged misappropriation of funds within the party, saying corruption cases should be handled regardless of political interests.
According to Kiirya conducting a forensic audit would help to restore transparency and accountability within the party.
“We respectfully request your office to investigate these issues, institute a comprehensive forensic audit of DP finances and operations, determine the valid party constitution and take decisive action to restore legality, transparency and internal democracy within Uganda’s oldest political party,” Kiirya said.
Lubaga Division DP spokesperson Julius Ddumba said the fight against corruption should not be limited to public officials.
“We call upon the Inspectorate of Government to investigate these leaders and carry out a lifestyle audit. The DP president cannot have such assets without questions being asked,” Ddumba said.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the DP leadership were unsuccessful by press time
