Political analyst Egesa Ronald Leonard has sounded a warning over what he describes as deep-rooted weaknesses within Uganda’s opposition political circles, citing lack of due diligence in candidate selection and infiltration by ruling party operatives.
Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, Egesa argued that the opposition lacks both the “luxury and machinery” necessary to properly vet candidates before endorsing them, leaving room for opportunists and self-seekers to exploit political gaps.
“The Opposition doesn’t have the luxury and machinery to do due diligence when sourcing and identifying candidates. There are candidates who are extortionists and political conmen. They read the room and see that someone doesn’t have a serious opponent, so they threaten to run against them,” Egesa said.
Egesa noted that political manipulation within opposition ranks has become increasingly sophisticated, with some individuals allegedly using their positions to extract financial or political favours.
Drawing comparisons with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Egesa said the NRM’s internal political strategy often helps it avoid unnecessary electoral contests through careful management of its primaries.
“In political strategy, we say that if you can avoid an election, please avoid it. The NRM has mastered this in the NRM primaries,” he said.
Egesa further alleged that some opposition figures are, in fact, working in the interests of the ruling party, either through covert influence or direct collaboration.
“Some of the opposition guys are doing gigs for the NRM. Some have been planted there by the NRM,” Egesa said.
Egesa’s comments come amid growing debate about the credibility and cohesion of Uganda’s opposition ahead of the next general elections.
Political observers say the opposition’s inability to coordinate and protect its internal integrity could weaken its chances of challenging the ruling party’s political dominance.