The Democratic Party (DP) has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and national reconciliation in the wake of the January 15, 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections, amid debates over recent interactions between opposition leaders and President Museveni.
Speaking on Sanyuka Sunsula on Saturday, DP spokesperson Kennedy Mutenyo emphasized that dialogue is essential for maintaining national cohesion, even among groups with differing political beliefs.
Quoting DP President and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao, Mutenyo said Uganda is divided into two broad groups—those open to dialogue and those opposed to it—arguing that meaningful engagement is vital for the country’s stability.
“We may not share the same political beliefs, but for the sake of our nation, dialogue is necessary, and there is nothing wrong with that, especially given that the meeting was held at State House Entebbe, a place we all respect,” he said.
Mutenyo added that post-election periods test leadership and personal responsibility, particularly in how political actors respond to defeat or disputed outcomes.
“Following elections, many people are dissatisfied with the results, especially those who lost under unfair circumstances. A person’s responsibility is tested during challenging times, particularly in how they remain calm,” he said.
His remarks came amid heightened discussions within opposition circles after a delegation of opposition MPs met President Museveni at State House Entebbe last week to discuss national stability and reconciliation.
Led by Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the delegation met the President on Thursday to ease political tensions and promote unity following elections marked by heightened political rivalry.
In an exclusive NBS Television interview, Nsibambi said the talks focused on peace and reconciliation to support the country’s development and stability.
“The meeting was about peace and reconciliation for the development and stability of the country, especially after the general elections that left some people’s tempers high,” he said.
Key issues discussed included political prisoners. Nsibambi revealed that the delegation appealed to President Museveni to consider pardons for detainees linked to political activity and also raised concerns over the continued incarceration of Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, Buganda Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Butambala County MP, calling for an independent investigation into his case.
Nsibambi’s decision to meet the President without wider opposition consultation drew criticism, but he defended his actions as being independent and in the national interest.
“No one sent me to the opposition. I’m an elected MP, and I’ll engage with whoever I deem necessary for the good of my constituents and the country,” he said.
Other opposition figures who attended the State House meeting included Okot Bitek (Kioga County, FDC), Robert Centenary (former Kasese Municipality MP and Deputy President of FDC Western), Moses Kabusu (Kyamuswa County, PFF), Roland Ndyomugyenyi (Rukiga County), Fred Kayondo (Mukono South, DP), Richard Lumu (Mityana South, DP), and Latif Ssebagala Ssengendo (former Kawempe North MP), among others.
