Uganda: DP Eyes More Seats in 2026 Despite Internal Divisions

By Salmah Namwanje

The Democratic Party (DP) has expressed optimism about increasing its representation in the 2026 general elections, citing a surge in the number of aspirants picking nomination forms for leadership positions.

DP Electoral Commission chairperson Kennedy Mutenyo revealed that 187 members have so far picked forms to contest for parliamentary seats across the country.

He said this marks a shift from DP's traditional dominance in Buganda to a wider national presence.

"DP's strength used to be mainly in Buganda, but this time our support has spread nationwide. We are confident that we shall produce leaders from all regions," Mutenyo said.

According to party figures, 34% of the aspirants are from Buganda, 30% from northern Uganda, while the remainder come from the east and west.

However, internal divisions continue to cast a shadow over the party. Some factions opposed to party president Norbert Mao argue that the rise in nominations is no guarantee of electoral success, warning that many aspirants lack the calibre traditionally associated with DP leadership.

Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala dismissed the optimism, saying the party has lowered its standards.

"DP once had a tradition of grooming leaders of substance, but today anyone can simply walk in and get nomination forms without guidance," Sebamala said.

Despite these disagreements, the DP leadership insists that reconciliation is ongoing and that the majority of members are focused on strengthening the party's performance at the polls.

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