The Secretary General of the Democratic Front, Michael Mabikke, has urged Uganda’s opposition to rethink its strategy and unite under a common voice. Speaking on Next Radio’s The Big Talk, Mabikke described the current state of the opposition as “very unfortunate” due to fragmentation.
“When it comes to the Ugandan opposition, we still have a big problem. We need to redefine our thinking, strategy, and plan,” he said on Wednesday.
“The opposition is so fractured that none of us is speaking with one voice. We are all speaking at different latitudes, which is very unfortunate.”
Mabikke’s comments come in the wake of the January presidential elections, which saw President Museveni secure a fifth term with over 71% of the vote.
The election period highlighted opposition disunity, with multiple small parties emerging and some members crossing over to the ruling National Resistance Movement.
The closest challenger was Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform, who garnered 24.72% of the vote. Despite this strong showing, Mabikke suggested it may be time for new leadership.
“I think Hon. Kyagulanyi has served his purpose and played his role, and I believe this is where it ends,” Mabikke said. “It is important for the opposition to reconstitute and identify someone else who can carry the struggle forward.”
Mabikke’s remarks reflect growing calls for opposition cohesion as political stakeholders begin preparing for the next electoral cycle.
