Democratic Party (DP) Secretary General Gerald Siranda has warned the Democratic Alliance (DA) against what he called the irregular appointment of DP members as its coordinators, saying some of those listed had denied any prior engagement with the new political organisation.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala, Siranda dismissed the DA’s approach as “comedy” and accused it of attempting to poach DP members without consultation.
“Our leaders who were named by DA as their coordinators have denied any consultations from the Democratic Alliance,” he said. “We can’t continue with the comedian situation.”
Siranda insisted that while DP is open to alliances and cooperation, such engagements must be structured.
“If you want help from DP, communicate, but don’t just try to take its members,” Siranda said.
The DP leadership, under Norbert Mao, has engaged in a formal working relationship with the ruling National Resistance Movement, which has seen Mao appointed as minister for justice and constitutional affairs.
The DA, led by former DP youth winger Mathias Mpuuga, unveiled its national coordinators on Friday, March 14, 2025, at its Namirembe office.
However, in addition to DP members, some National Unity Platform (NUP) figures listed as DA representatives have since rejected their appointments.
Siranda called on any DP members included in the DA’s list to clarify their stance or face internal party action.
“If there are DP members who have been put on the DA list, they should come out, else we will deal with you,” he warned.
He named six DP leaders who, he said, had been irregularly appointed by DA and have since distanced themselves from the group.
These include Grace Asiimwe, a member of DP’s national executive committee representing Bunyoro, Sunday Bigoggo, chairman of DP in Hoima City, and Hillary Besekya, the party’s leader in Rubirizi District.
Others are Humphrey Kirungi from Buliisa, Amria District chairman Moses Ochole, and Andrew Bizibu from Kakumiro.
The Democratic Alliance, which describes itself as a platform for uniting opposition forces, was formed by Mpuuga following his fallout with NUP.
Mpuuga, formerly NUP’s deputy president and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, broke ranks with the party after being replaced in Parliament and facing allegations of benefiting from a controversial service award.
The DA has positioned itself as an alternative political force, promising to champion the rule of law, constitutionalism, and political inclusivity.
However, its formation has sparked tensions with NUP and DP, with both parties accusing it of attempting to weaken the opposition by luring their members.