Masaka Youth Councillor Lutaaya Fredrick has called for urgent reforms within Uganda's political parties, warning that without internal democracy and respect for human rights, the country cannot achieve genuine and inclusive development.
Lutaaya reserved his strongest criticism for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), accusing it of undermining democracy through endorsements, manipulation, and intimidation.
"The NRM has reduced internal elections to mere rituals of endorsement, where candidates are imposed by party elites instead of being freely chosen by members.
Such practices breed corruption, patronage, and inequality," he said.
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He further highlighted the use of security forces in party primaries and widespread complaints of bribery as signs of a deeper governance crisis.
"A party that silences its own members cannot be trusted to respect the rights and freedoms of Ugandans," Lutaaya added.
Turning to the opposition, Lutaaya recognized the National Unity Platform (NUP) for creating space for youth, women, and marginalized groups, but cautioned that the party must uphold fairness and transparency to remain credible.
"If NUP is to remain a true alternative, its candidate selection and primaries must be open, fair, and inclusive. Otherwise, we risk reproducing the same undemocratic culture Ugandans are desperate to break away from," he said.
He also commended NUP for its stronger stance on human rights and efforts to amplify the voices of ordinary citizens compared to the ruling establishment.
Lutaaya emphasized that economic growth and social progress cannot be divorced from democracy and respect for human rights.
"You cannot build schools, hospitals, or industries in a society where voices are silenced and freedoms trampled. Development without democracy and human rights is unequal development -- it benefits a few while abandoning the many," he said.
He stressed that safeguarding human dignity, ensuring equal opportunity, and protecting freedom of speech and association form the true foundation of sustainable development.
With the 2026 elections drawing closer, Lutaaya urged Ugandans to demand accountability and fairness from both the ruling and opposition parties.
"Our future lies in political organizations that respect the will of the people, protect their rights, and put inclusive development above personal interests. Anything less is betrayal," he concluded.
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