Supporters of rival factions within the Democratic Party yesterday clashed at the Kampala High Court as the fight to control Uganda's oldest party entered vicious territory.

DP supporters engaged in fist fights, temporarily preventing lawyer Erias Lukwago from exiting court premises after a judge advised Kampala Mayor Nasser Ntege Sebaggala and party chief Ssebaana Kizito to reach an out-of-court settlement.

Supporters of the Democratic Party yesterday turned Kampala High Court into a boxing ring. Among those accosted was Prof. Joseph Mukiibi (top), the party's chairman; attacked by Mayor Sebaggala's (centre, bottom, ) supporters. PHOTOS BY Y. MUZIRANSA

Mr Sebaggala sued Mr Ssebaana Kizito for allegedly halting a delegates' conference initially scheduled for November 26. Justice Vincent Zehurikirize gave them until December 3 to reach a decision.

"What I need to tell you is that do not involve the court to administer the party. This should come as a last resort but if you want it this way, we shall administer the party for you," Justice Zehurikirize said.

Mr Sebaggala, in a petition filed last Friday, argues that Mr Ssebaana, whom he succeeded as mayor in 2006, breached the party constitution when he cancelled the November 26 conference. He wants the judge to issue an order nullifying the cancellation.

More than four DP members, including Gulu District Chairperson Norbert Mao, have expressed interest to replace Mr Ssebaana as party chief.

Meanwhile, some party activists have asked Mr Sebaggala to withdraw the case, saying it would further complicate preparations for the delegates' conference.

"We appeal to Sebaggala to withdraw his petition from court and we resolve these matters as members of the same family," youth leader Muwanga Kivumbi told a press conference in Kampala.