Masaka City — Lutaaya Fredrick, Youth Councillor for Kimaanya–Kabonera Division in Masaka City, 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.
NRM’s Crisis of Internal Democracy
Lutaaya directed his strongest criticism at the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), accusing it of undermining democracy through impositions, 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.
He added that the involvement of security forces in party primaries, coupled with widespread allegations of bribery, reveals a deeper governance crisis.
“A party that silences its own members cannot be trusted to respect the rights and freedoms of Ugandans,” Lutaaya declared.
NUP: Promise With Responsibility
Turning to the opposition, Lutaaya acknowledged the National Unity Platform (NUP) for creating political space for youth, women, and marginalized groups. However, he 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 warned.
Still, he credited NUP for its stronger stance on human rights and its efforts to amplify the voices of ordinary citizens compared to the ruling establishment.
Human Rights and Development Are Interlinked
Lutaaya emphasized that economic growth and social progress cannot be divorced from democracy and respect for 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 argued.
He stressed that safeguarding human dignity, ensuring equal opportunity, and protecting freedom of speech and association form the true foundation of sustainable development.
A Call for Political Renewal
With the 2026 elections approaching, Lutaaya urged Ugandans to demand accountability and fairness from both 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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