By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Political maneuvering, intrigues have been reported within the Democratic Party (DP), particularly involving the party President and minister of justice and constitutional affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao and Secretary General Gerald Blacks Siranda. Enormous sources with the party allege a secretive plan to increase the nomination fees for party candidates, expressing interests to contest on the party ticket in the 2026 general elections for different elective positions. The sources who are close to the party’s top organs say the move could stir controversy among party members, especially those who may struggle to afford higher fees.
It is further alleged that the party president, Mao is engaged in clandestine discussions with party Secretary-General Gerald Siranda to formulate a controversial strategy designed to impose exorbitantly high nomination fees on candidates aspiring for key leadership positions within the party’s National Executive Committee.
Sources who preferred anonymity alleged that the two darling – leaders who recently scooped for themselves positions in the government under the guide of the barren NRM-DP corporation agreement have proposed to increase nomination fee for Party President and National Vice President candidates to 20 million shillings from the current Shs5 Million nomination fee.
Nomination Fee for candidates vying for Secretary General and National Chairman of the party is speculated to have moved from Shs3 million to 15 million shillings. Other affected positions, according to the alleged proposal include Heads of Departments where the fee has been proposed to Shs10 million from 3 Million shillings, whole all positions for deputies have shifted from Sh1 million to 5 millions, according to the sources.
Party members say that these are political maneuvers tactically aimed at stifling competition and consolidating Mao’s grip on party leadership amid mounting dissent regarding his leadership. The discussions come on the heels of intense backlash during a recent National Executive Committee and National Council meeting held in Soroti, where Mao faced vocal opposition from party representatives nationwide.
During the Soroti meetings, numerous party members attributed the DP’s recent failures and threats of collapse to Mao’s controversial cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni, under which he has served as a minister. The dissatisfaction among party stalwarts prompted Fred Mukasa Mbidde, Mao’s long-time friend and deputy, to propose a motion for the party to begin the process of terminating the cooperation agreement. This process is set to officially commence on April 6.
In a development that could stir the political waters further, Bukoto Central MP Richard Ssebamala is emerging as a potential challenger to Mao for the party presidency. Speculation also surrounds whether Mbidde, who has been courted by seasoned party elders to enter the race, will make a surprise bid for leadership.
As if that’s not enough, more tensions are rising concerning the next party Secretary General. This is after insiders reported that the current SG Gerald Siranda’s position is increasingly becoming tenuous, while speculations shows that the party’s Acting Spokesperson and UYD President Kiirya Ismail gaining could be eyeing the post. Kiirya is not a novice in DP’s politics, he has served as the UYD President which is a Democratic Party youth political wing giving him an upper hand of majority youth support. He has also gained traction within the party from the time he was appointed the party spokesperson in acting capacity by President Mao. The rise of Kiirya has caused many questions about Siranda’s future role in DP, with some sections of the members alleging that Kiirya’s appointment was to prepare him for bigger tasks ahead.
The DP crisis is gradually deepening and there are also reported secret meeting plans by DP parliamentarian to oust Mao. Two strong members; Ssebamala and Mukasa Mbidde have so far poised to challenge Mao thus deepening internal turmoil. Sour es accuse Mao and his associates are reportedly exploring avenues to implement their plans to disqualify prospective candidates as a last resort to secure his position raising significant questions regarding the legality of such actions under the Democratic Party constitution.
When contacted for a comment regarding these allegations, the party Secretary General Gerald Siranda did not pick our calls. Attempts to obtain a comment from Party President Norbert Mao were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly attending a cabinet meeting at State House.
As the party navigates this tumultuous political climate, the future of the Democratic Party will hinge on the leadership decisions made in the coming days. Observers are watching closely, aware that the outcomes of these secretive strategies could have enduring implications on the political landscape in Uganda. For now, the situation remains charged, with tensions escalating within the party ranks as members anticipate the unfolding dynamics leading to the next leadership contests within the DP.
