Additional reporting by David Ijjo
As the 2026 general election approaches, Uganda's political landscape is heating up with power struggles within different political parties.
Dr. Gerald Walulya and Wasswa Lule, prominent political commentators, believe that reconciliation may remain elusive due to the prevailing bitterness among party factions.
The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has been embroiled in internal conflicts this week, with a faction led by party Spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju clashing with Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi over the allocation of undisclosed funds.
In the wake of these divisions, Dr. Gerald Walulya and Wasswa Lule anticipate the emergence of a new political force in Uganda.
"Whenever we get close to elections, they join other parties. Ugandans are not used to coalition like it is with Kenya." stated Walulya.
The current state of fragmentation within parties like FDC, DP, and UPC leaves open the possibility of defections to other parties or the formation of a new political organisation.
The history of political defections in Uganda indicates a pattern of politicians shifting alliances towards the election period. Notably, ahead of the 2021 general election, Uganda witnessed several politicians leaving DP to join Robert Kyagulanyi's National Unity Platform (NUP) and others from FDC to form Gen. Mugisha Muntu's Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).
However, political analysts have cautioned that this phenomenon tends to favor the ruling National Resistance Movement, a thought which was in agreement with the NRM electoral commission boss Dr. Tanga Odoi
"These defections or formations all work in favor of NRM because the voters may not like the idea, prompting them to vote for the ruling party." Stated Odoi.
Dr. Odoi further added that the NRM aims to capitalise on the disarray in opposition parties for its benefits.
"We will exploit every opportunity they create for us," added Odoi.
The analysts' concern lies in Uganda's relatively young political landscape, where founders' influence takes precedence over ideologies. They argue that politics in the country has been highly individualized, making it susceptible to frequent realignments and new party formations.
As the 2026 general election draws near, the possibility of a new political force emerging remains a topic of keen interest.
With parties still grappling with internal divisions, only time will tell how Uganda's political landscape evolves in the lead-up to the crucial electoral event.