Mathias Mpuuga, the newly elected president of the Democratic Front (DF) party, has launched a scathing attack on the National Unity Platform (NUP), accusing its leadership of abandoning hundreds of supporters who remain imprisoned across Uganda.
Mpuuga made the remarks during his inaugural address at the DF delegates’ conference held in Masaka City.
In a fiery and emotional speech, Mpuuga declared that rescuing political prisoners—many of them NUP supporters detained during and after the 2021 general elections—would be the first priority of his new leadership.
“My team and I made several attempts to rescue our sons who are rotting in prison, but every time we tried, we were met with resistance,” Mpuuga said, taking a direct swipe at his former colleagues in NUP.
“What kind of commander abandons his troops to the enemy for years, simply because of arrogance?”
While the NUP leadership has consistently denied claims of neglect, relatives of detained supporters have in recent years voiced frustration over what they see as lack of legal, moral, and financial support from the party.
Many detainees are being held on charges ranging from unlawful assembly to terrorism, with some languishing in jail without trial.
Michael Mabikke, the DF Secretary General, said the party would not engage in political lamentation but offer “pragmatic, courageous, and people-centered leadership.”
“We are different from the political players you’ve known,” Mabikke said. “Our mission is to build coalitions, restore trust in politics, and deliver justice to those who have been ignored.”
Despite his sharp criticism of NUP, Mpuuga said he was open to working with its leaders if it meant advancing the cause of democracy and justice.
“I have no issue collaborating with NUP leaders—as long as it serves the interests of our country,” he said.
Delegates from across the country hailed Mpuuga’s leadership credentials and expressed readiness to support DF’s expansion nationwide.
Enock Mugabe, a delegate from Kyenjojo, said Mpuuga’s tenure as Masaka City MP and former Leader of Opposition showed he was capable of national leadership.
“Just look at how Masaka has developed under Mpuuga’s leadership. If we entrust him with the presidency, I am confident he can serve the entire country even better,” Mugabe said.
With the Democratic Front now formally unveiled, the party’s leadership says it is prepared to offer Ugandans a new political model—grounded in justice, dignity, and service to the nation.
