The Democratic Party (DP) has introduced new guidelines aimed at revitalizing and restructuring its grassroots leadership while implementing key resolutions from recent high-level party meetings.
Addressing party members, DP Chairman and Minister of Justice Norbert Mao emphasized that these reforms align with Ugandan law and the party’s constitution as DP seeks to rebuild and consolidate its support base.
Mao acknowledged the party’s struggles, including the controversial transfer of the DP National Register to the National Unity Platform (NUP) by former National Organizing Secretary Sulaiman Kidandala.
Kidandala, currently imprisoned in South Korea, was accused of facilitating the mass defection of DP members to NUP.
In an ironic twist, Mao, in his capacity as Minister of Justice, now oversees Kidandala’s extradition process back to Uganda.
He also pointed to the challenges in registering new members, describing the current phase as a fresh start for DP.
According to Mao, infiltration by individuals with divided loyalties has weakened the party’s structures.
To address this, he has tasked the DP Secretariat with conducting a rigorous verification process to ensure that only committed party members retain leadership positions.
The National Organizing Secretary has been directed to undertake a comprehensive branch inspection to clean up and strengthen the party’s organizational framework.
The newly unveiled guidelines focus on three key objectives:
Renewing Party Leadership – Ensuring that all leadership positions are occupied by dedicated party members.
Restructuring Grassroots Leadership – Conducting a thorough reorganization of leadership structures to eliminate infiltration and enhance efficiency.
Implementing Resolutions from Recent Meetings – Acting upon decisions made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council, which convened in early March 2025.
DP has also set up mediation and arbitration mechanisms to address internal disputes and foster unity among members.
The party has scheduled its National Delegates Conference for May 30, 2025, in Mbarara.
This conference is expected to be a pivotal moment in DP’s restructuring efforts, providing a platform to discuss and endorse the new leadership roadmap.
Expression of interest for national leadership positions will begin on April 7, signaling an open call for fresh leadership within the party.
Mao reassured members that DP remains committed to its foundational principles and is poised to emerge stronger from recent challenges.
“We are the firstborn among political parties in Uganda, and as such, we must set a shining example,” he said, urging members to remain resilient and dedicated to the party’s cause.
As DP embarks on this ambitious restructuring journey, the coming months will be crucial in determining its trajectory.
With the upcoming National Delegates Conference and efforts to verify and solidify grassroots structures, the party aims to reinforce its standing in Uganda’s political landscape.
Mao’s leadership and the implementation of these guidelines will be key in shaping DP’s future as it seeks to regain its influence and relevance in national politics.