DP NEC approves overhaul of membership register
The Democratic Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) yesterday endorsed a decision to overhaul the party register and initiate a fresh recruitment drive.
During a meeting held in Mbale, the NEC resolved to require both new and existing party members to apply for inclusion in the party register as part of a wider effort to ensure a clean and transparent membership database.
According to Gerald Silanda, the DP secretary general, the party's new registration drive aims to be more inclusive.
"The party has resolved to include members living in the diaspora, people with disabilities (PWDs), workers, and the elderly in the party structure," he said.
Additionally, the NEC meeting approved the designation of the five divisions of Kampala as individual districts for party administration.
The NEC meeting also addressed internal party conflicts, with a new resolution prohibiting members from seeking court interventions in party-related disputes.
"This decision is meant to foster internal mechanisms for resolving conflicts and avoid unnecessary legal battles that could harm the party's cohesion," Silanda explained.
In response to concerns about the dominance of other opposition parties by the lead opposition party in parliament, the NEC gave the party leadership the mandate to engage the Speaker of Parliament to review the rules of engagement.
The Democratic Party's Chief Whip, Peter Okot, raised concerns about the current structure, suggesting that it "suffocates the opinion of other parties in decision-making."
Okot advocated for broader representation in the shadow cabinet, emphasizing the need for inclusion from all opposition parties.
Okot's comments appeared to contrast with the party president's recent decision to engage in a cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
This agreement has been a source of contention within the Democratic Party, with some members questioning its implications for the party's independence and opposition role.
Despite the various issues raised at the NEC meeting, Silanda dismissed claims of a court order halting the proceedings, indicating that the meeting proceeded without legal interruptions.
As the Democratic Party moves forward with its new registration process and engages with parliamentary leadership, the implications for party unity and opposition cooperation remain significant.
