By Okello E. Moses,
KAMPALA
The Democratic Party Secretary General Mr. Siranda, has castigated party members for failing to stand up for the party ideals. In a passionate appeal to members, Siranda wondered why those who purport to be DP don’t show up when the time for voting comes, and instead they vote non DP candidates.
Pointing out the election former member of parliament for Rubaga South, Ken Lukyamuzi dé man (CP), Siranda said lack of the DP spirit made the party to lose its long enjoyed a big following in Rubaga Lukyamuzi. He appealed to the members to support their own in the coming Presidential and parliamentary elections.
Ken Lukyamuzi dominated Rubaga South Constituency for four terms. When he was barred from standing, for failing to declare his wealth, he fronted his daughter Suzan Nampijja who triumphed. She held the seat for one term.
He also cited a scenario where a DP candidate lost at a polling centre where he had four agents but only got two votes, questioning the fate that befell the party.
“DP what happened? We have to come together and support our own,” he stressed. He urged members to work within party structures to address party issues than bashing the party on social media.
There’s nothing we cannot handle together […] Some are not even voters, they have never registered to vote,” emotionally charged Siranda said.
Additionally, the legislator in the EALA parliament urged members to renew their membership in the ongoing registration of party members and new members at all DP branches across the country. He emphasized that members who will not have registered within the stipulated time, should forget about contesting on DP ticket in 2026 general elections.
The Secretary General also reveled that they have put a screening mechanism within the party to gauge aspirants potential stating that; “you may want to stand as member of parliament, yet you have better prospects of winning a Local Council V seat. The party will do its best to give direction.”
On members who have crossed to other parties, Siranda urged that some defected members are in abeyance (those who leave but are not active) while others are well wishers and real members. He noted that those who stand up for party ideals, are ready to do what it takes for the sake of the party.
The Democratic Party has had a history of crossings to other parties. In the 1960’s there was the famous “crossing of the floor”. This had DP lose close to nine members to the ruling Uganda Peoples Congress. They included among others, LOP Basil Bataringaya representing Mbarara and James Ochola whom Obote appointed as Local Government Minister. This practice has remained until today when the party is split into more than two factions, and there are speculations of bickering within the party likely to cause another split by next election.
However, Siranda called for dialogue, reconciliation and appealed to the defectors to return home.
He also emphasized that DP will have candidates at all elective positions including the presidency but will focus on parliamentary elections. This he said will make DP a party to reckon with.
Responding to a question on Mukasa Mbidde’s statement that President Museveni had taken DP’s engine, Siranda said that much as Mbidde is a leader, he is also a politician.
“As one of the Vice Presidents of the Party, he will explain. Politicians can say anything, let’s not get things out of context,” Siranda explained.
The Party is expected to hold its National Executive Committee meeting in Soroti City soon.
