The Democratic Party (DP) is racing to heal internal divisions and restore its political footing ahead of the 2026 general elections, following deep cracks exposed during a chaotic delegates’ conference in Mbarara.
DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda has confirmed that efforts are underway to reconcile with aggrieved members who walked away from the party after the Mbarara incident.
“We are holding discussions with those who were angered after Mbarara because we cannot leave our members frustrated. We must all return and build the party as we prepare for 2026,” Siranda said.
He added, however, that the party would not entertain individuals seeking to exploit DP for personal political gain.
“Some people went to Mbarara with their own agendas, and when they failed, they decided to cross over to other parties. Those who want to use DP for their personal interests will not succeed—many have tried before and failed.”
While acknowledging the need to attract new supporters, Siranda maintained that the party would not tolerate internal sabotage.
“We want numbers, but we won’t accept people who insult DP then still want to use the party card to seek positions,” he emphasized.
Veteran party member Wasswa Lule sought to calm tensions, calling the fallout “an election hangover” that would eventually subside.
He pointed to the large turnout at the Mbarara conference as evidence that DP retains a loyal base, even amid strife.
Former Kawempe South MP Ssebuliba Muntumba, who had distanced himself from party activities, said DP has weathered many storms but warned that unless leadership gaps are fixed, the party risks further decline.
“We’ve become a laughingstock,” he said, lamenting the fall in DP’s parliamentary presence from nine to just six MPs, following several defections to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala, who left the Mbarara meeting disillusioned, believes the party still has a future if unity prevails.
“Some of our members have already defected to other parties, but I have encouraged those remaining to stay and rebuild DP. The ‘DP Great Again’ agenda is still on, and we are determined to pursue it as we wait for the court ruling on our case,” Sebamala said.
Political analysts, however, say DP faces an uphill battle to restore credibility and voter trust.
With 2026 fast approaching, the wounds from Mbarara remain raw, and unless the party bridges internal divides, it risks further marginalisation in Uganda’s opposition politics.