A disgruntled faction within the Democratic Party (DP), opposed to party president-general Norbert Mao, has petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC), demanding an immediate halt to all internal electoral processes within the party.
The group alleges widespread irregularities, including illegal grassroots elections and a lack of transparency ahead of the party’s National Delegates Conference, scheduled to take place at the end of May in Mbarara.
In response, the party leadership has dismissed the petition, advising the petitioners to seek legal redress through the courts of law instead of involving the EC.
Led by Julius Dumba, the Kampala District Chairperson of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), the group submitted a detailed petition to the Electoral Commission.
They argue that the ongoing internal elections are flawed and do not reflect democratic principles.
“We are demanding that the Electoral Commission intervenes and suspends these activities. there has been no transparent verification,” said Dumba.
The petition specifically asks the EC to investigate the early declaration of delegates, suspend the National Delegates Conference, and verify the legitimacy of elected officials.
The petitioners are also calling for a review—and if necessary—a nullification of the recently gazetted DP constitution, citing ambiguities in some of its provisions.
Veteran party member Edith Byanyima, who joined the petitioners, also pointed to irregularities in western Uganda.
“No grassroots elections were held in districts like Kazo, Kiruhura, and Mbarara, yet delegates from these areas have already been listed. That’s unacceptable,” said Byanyima.
The petition is also supported by prominent DP legislators, including Buikwe South MP Lulume Bayigga and Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala, both of whom criticized the party leadership for rushing the electoral process and ignoring concerns from within.
“This process is being manipulated to favor a specific outcome. The party should not proceed with a flawed conference,” said Bayigga.
“There’s no legitimacy in what’s happening. We stand with the petition because it’s about restoring internal democracy,” added Sebamala.
In his response, DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“We are proceeding with the delegates conference in Mbarara because we believe we meet all the requirements and we are working within the law of the Democratic Party,” Siranda said.
The petition was formally received by EC Deputy Spokesperson Paul Bukenya, who assured the group that the Commission would handle the matter with the urgency it deserves.
He emphasized that it is within the mandate of the EC to consider and respond to internal party complaints.
“It’s normal for party members to have concerns. As a regulator, the Commission will assess the petition and advise appropriately,” said Bukenya.
The standoff deepens an already growing rift within the Democratic Party, raising concerns over party cohesion ahead of the 2026 general elections.