By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), the youth wing of the Democratic Party (DP), have given the Electoral Commission (EC) a seven-day ultimatum to fast-track hearings on petitions related to the party’s controversial Delegates Conference held in Mbarara last month.
During a press briefing held on Monday at Bukandula Hotel in Rubaga Division, Kampala, the youth leaders accused the EC of delaying action on what they described as “fraudulent elections” marred by irregularities, intimidation, and voter bribery.
“We hereby issue an ultimatum of seven days to the Electoral Commission to expedite the hearing of the Democratic Party petitions. Failure to act will leave us with no choice but to escalate our next course of action,” the group declared in a joint statement.
The UYD further demanded urgent intervention by the Justice Simon Byabakama-led EC, warning that failure to address their concerns could trigger unrest within the party’s youth base.
The June Delegates Conference, during which new DP leaders were elected, was characterized by chaos and contested outcomes. Several senior party members, including presidential aspirant Hon. Richard Ssebamala, Hon. Alitia, alongside a number of district chairpersons, filed petitions with the EC challenging the results of the conference.
The complainants also allege that amendments to the party constitution were gazetted without proper consultation or legitimate resolutions from the previous Delegates Conference in Gulu.
Ismail Kiirya, the former UYD President and a contestant for the Secretary General position, claimed he was denied victory through ballot stuffing and vote manipulation. He accused the EC of failing to act independently, alleging undue influence from DP President General and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao.
“We have reliable information that the Electoral Commission is under pressure from powerful individuals to dismiss these petitions without a fair hearing,” Kiirya alleged.
Michael Lukonge, another aggrieved youth leader, echoed similar concerns, claiming widespread vote rigging and illegal declaration of candidates in Mbarara. He challenged the EC’s credibility ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“If the EC cannot resolve an internal dispute within a single political party, how can Ugandans trust it to conduct a credible national election?” he asked.
In a separate allegation, Anthony Wadimba, a former aide to Minister Mao, raised concerns over sexual exploitation of young female members within the party. Without naming specific individuals, Wadimba alleged that some senior leaders demand sexual favors in exchange for positions and opportunities.
“We no longer have girlfriends. Young women are being exploited by top leaders under the guise of promotions,” he claimed.
The youth leaders called on the EC to exercise independence and impartiality, and reiterated their readiness to take further action should the Commission fail to respond within the stipulated time.
They have appealed to all aggrieved DP members to join them in demand for justice from the EC to sanitize their party.
Efforts to reach the Electoral Commission and DP leadership for comment were futile by press time.
