Despite his recent fallout with the National Unity Platform (NUP), Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, now President of the newly rebranded Democratic Front (DF), has said he remains open to dialogue with his former party, provided they can demonstrate maturity and reason in the pursuit of Uganda’s political transition.
Mpuuga made the remarks on Friday during the official launch of the Democratic Front at Laston Gardens in Masaka City. The event was attended by several opposition figures and party supporters.
“We are prepared to humble ourselves before NUP if they can show sensibility in their actions and a capacity to contribute to meaningful change,” Mpuuga stated. “Our objective is greater than our personal egos—we are open to working with all change-seeking forces as long as they practice the politics of logic and common sense.”
Mpuuga, who once served as NUP Deputy President for Buganda, parted ways with the party after facing backlash over a 500 million shilling Service Award he received from Parliament during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition.
The move drew condemnation from NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and led to Mpuuga’s eventual dismissal from party leadership, sparking internal controversy and public scrutiny.
However, Mpuuga insists that political maturity should allow for reconciliation where necessary. “If we respect harmony and the broader vision for a better Uganda, dialogue remains possible,” he emphasized.
He also took a swipe at his former party, accusing its leadership of abandoning detained opposition supporters languishing in government prisons on politically related charges.
“It is not a weakness to seek their release—it is a strategic act of courage,” Mpuuga said. “Some leaders have instead chosen arrogance over the well-being of their own supporters. That must change.”
The launch of the DF attracted various opposition leaders, including Kampala Central MP and President of the Ecological Party of Uganda, Muhammad Nsereko, who urged DF to present itself as a credible and trustworthy alternative for disillusioned Ugandans.
“We need to offer hope to the many people out there who have lost political belonging,” Nsereko said, adding that collaboration among opposition groups will be key. He revealed plans to field joint candidates in the next general elections through a united opposition strategy.
Sadam Gayira, National Chairperson of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), echoed similar sentiments, calling on political actors to abandon smear campaigns that undermine the country’s leadership potential.
“Politics of mudslinging has only helped to destroy the careers of promising leaders. We must rise above that if we are to build a credible opposition,” Gayira stated.
Meanwhile, Henry Lubowa, Chairperson of the Democratic Front’s Electoral Commission, announced the opening of nominations for individuals interested in contesting on the DF ticket in the upcoming elections.
With the party now formally launched, Mpuuga’s next test lies in whether the Democratic Front can effectively position itself as a unifying voice in Uganda’s fragmented opposition, and whether reconciliation with estranged political allies can indeed become a reality.
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