Masaka, Uganda
After years of struggling to regain its once-dominant position in Uganda’s political scenery, the Democratic Party (DP) has embarked on a mission to restore its former glory.
Since its peak in the last few decades, when it emerged as Uganda’s first national political party, the DP has faced numerous challenges, including internal factionalism and external pressures.
The party’s influence waned significantly, particularly after the 2006 elections, which saw increased state-sponsored infighting and a significant loss of traditional supporters.
With the 2026 National Elections on the horizon, the DP has initiated a fresh membership registration drive, aimed at reclaiming its former prominence and reasserting its presence.
The launch event, held on July 3rd at Tropic Inn Hotel in Masaka, began a renewed effort to mobilise and unify party members. Spearheaded by Mary Babirye Kabanda, the Party’s National Treasurer and former Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka district, the initiative attracted key members of the Party’s Parliamentary caucus seeking to rebuild the party from the grassroots up.
According to Kabanda, the importance of renewing annual memberships and drum support, despite the setbacks caused by the controversial cooperation agreement between Party President Hon. Norbert Mao and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“We are here to rebuild the Party Foundation. Let’s regain strength and take on the country’s leadership. We urge all members to stand up, renew their memberships, and contest various positions in the forthcoming elections,” Kabanda urged.
Drawing parallels with the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Kabanda encouraged party members to remain steadfast despite internal challenges.
“We are not concerned about the cooperation agreement. We are members of the Democratic Party, an independent political entity in Uganda. Let’s stand up and move forward; we shall regain our momentum.”
Kabanda also criticised the recurring issue of party members shifting allegiances every political season, which she identified as a major cause of the party’s decline.
“Whenever we reorganize the party, some members form small opposing groups, weakening our unity. Let’s reunite and take on national leadership to fight for the common people.”
Owek. Christine Mugerwa Kasule, the Deputy Party Secretary General, expressed optimism about the party’s resilience. She recalled the party’s ability to overcome similar challenges in the late 1960s and called for renewed efforts to strengthen the party from its grassroots.
“Our members should stop voting for other party candidates because of political waves. The party foundation starts with registered members who rally supporters to join.”
According to George Kagimu, the Democratic Party Vice President for the Buganda region and former Mayor of Mukono Municipality, the strategic importance of Masaka in the membership campaign. He set a target of returning at least 30 DP legislators from the Buganda region and urged district leaders to identify capable candidates.
Dr. Tom Balojja, the Kyotera District branch chairperson, also reassured members that the cooperation agreement would not hinder the party’s progress. Balojja added that the DP has a history of overcoming internal conflicts and is poised for revitalization under future leadership.
Founded in 1954, the Democratic Party emerged as Uganda’s first national political party, drawing significant support from Buganda’s religious and economic demographics.
Despite facing state-sponsored infighting and factionalism since the 2006 elections, the DP remains committed to reasserting its influence in Ugandan politics through renewed grassroots efforts.
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