By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
VP Northern Region Demands Immediate Suspension of NDC Preparations, Cites Breach of Party Protocols
The Democratic Party (DP) is facing a fresh wave of internal tension following a scathing letter from the party’s Vice President for Northern Uganda, Hon. Alitia Elia, addressed to Secretary General Dr. Siranda Gerald, demanding the immediate suspension of all activities related to the upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC), citing procedural irregularities and allegations of overreach by the Secretary General.
Alitia, who has declared her candidacy for the position of DP President General for the 2025–2030 term, raised alarm over decisions made by the Secretary General without the formal approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“Who decided the fees, and where are the minutes of that meeting?” Alitia demanded, referring to newly announced nomination fees which he claims were not debated or passed by the NEC.
He challenged the UGX 10 million nomination fee for presidential aspirants, saying NEC had only approved UGX 5 million, and no subsequent meeting has amended that figure.
While addressing journalists at the party’s mobilization headquarters on Balintuma Road, Rubaga Division, Kampala, on Tuesday, Siranda defended the UGX10 million nomination fee for presidential aspirants, stating that it covers both the position of Party President and the DP Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 national elections.
“So, you are going to be paying two fees. You are paying the fees for you to be the party leader , and also the presidential candidate for our party,” Siranda explained.
Siranda emphasized that only members who have renewed their membership through the ongoing national registration and renewal exercise will be eligible to participate in the party’s internal electoral processes.
Conflict of Interest and Transparency in Question
In the letter, Alitia accused the Secretary General of unilaterally appointing an election committee to preside over the NDC, a committee he argues lacks legitimacy due to Siranda’s own candidacy.
“Where did you obtain the mandate to appoint a committee to supervise and preside over elections in which you have a direct conflict of interest?” the letter reads.
He further questioned the credibility of claims that 80% of delegates have already been profiled, citing ongoing structural elections in many districts and challenges such as lack of facilitation.
Alitia also raised serious concerns about the transparency of the payment process for nomination fees, which currently allows bank drafts, deposits, and physical cash.
“Does DP have a central account for collecting nomination fees? Do we not risk cash recycling and manipulation?”
Five Demands Issued
Alitia’s letter concludes with a formal set of demands, including:
1. Immediate suspension of all structure-building processes and the NDC until an NEC-approved roadmap is in place.
2. Audit of current delegate processes across the country by NEC and the National Council.
3. Public apology from the Secretary General for “usurping powers” of the NEC.
4. Resignation of all aspirants involved in organizing the NDC.
5. Freeze on nomination fee payments to the unapproved committee.
The letter, copied to the President General, National Chairman, NEC, and Legal Advisor, has sent shockwaves through the party’s leadership circles. With just weeks remaining to the NDC, the party faces an urgent call to restore internal democracy and procedural transparency.
Nevertheless, Siranda says they will not be taken by the demands of defiant members, calling for compliance to party values.
“I will not be shaken by defiant members who do not comply with party regulations,” Siranda said.
