By KT Reporters
A heated debate is unfolding within the Democratic Party (DP) in Uganda as presidential hopefuls exchange blows over eligibility and party values. At the center of the controversy is Hon. Richard Sebamala, who has been accused by party president Norbert Mao of failing to meet the 10-year active membership requirement.
Sebamala’s supporters argue that his eligibility shouldn’t be solely determined by his membership duration. They point out that he has served the party in various capacities, including five years in the National Executive Council (NEC), as the DP district chairman of Masaka, and as the former DP treasurer of Masaka district.
Vice President of the DP Northern Uganda region, Elia, has weighed in on the debate, emphasizing the importance of adhering to democratic principles and the rule of law. Elia argued that Article one of the constitution states that power belongs to the people and will be governed through their will.
Critics argue that Mao’s tactics, including cutting down the duration of the National Delegates Conference, are attempts to disenfranchise Sebamala. Furthermore, the party’s decision to proceed with conference preparations without issuing valid membership cards for 2025 has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the process.
The DP is currently undergoing a re-registration exercise after the former National Organizing Secretary Sulaiman Kidandala defected to the National Unity Platform (NUP) with all party records. However, the secretariat is facing challenges due to fear of illegalities, as they are re-registering new members using expired or invalid membership cards from 2024.
