Kampala, Uganda – A storm is brewing within the Democratic Party (DP) as Ismail Kirya, former leader of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), and a faction of disgruntled members have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Electoral Commission (EC) to respond to their petitions or face street protests.
Kirya, speaking to reporters in Kampala, accused the EC of deliberate silence on over 10 formal petitions filed by DP members regarding alleged irregularities during the party’s recent national delegates’ conference in Mbarara.
The internal election, held nearly three months ago, ushered in new leadership under the party president general and current Justice Minister, Norbert Mao.
“We have waited patiently. But the Commission’s continued silence is unacceptable,” Kirya said.
“If we don’t get a response within the next seven days, we shall exercise our constitutional right to protest,” he added.
According to Kirya, the disputed delegates’ conference was marred by manipulation of voter lists, illegal exclusion of delegates, and unauthorized interference by state actors. He insists that many legitimate members were denied access, while others claim the voting process was predetermined.
“This isn’t just about DP politics; it’s about upholding democratic values in Uganda,” he stressed.
The Electoral Commission has so far not publicly commented on the petitions, further fueling frustrations among opposition figures. Critics argue that the EC’s alleged bias and inactivity in internal party disputes reflect a larger pattern of democratic erosion ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Civil society actors have also called on the EC to uphold transparency, impartiality, and accountability, especially as political activity ramps up across the country.
The Democratic Party, Uganda’s oldest political party, has in recent years faced a wave of internal rifts, defections, and accusations of authoritarianism under Mao’s leadership.
The latest petitioners claim the party is being turned into a political shell aligned with the NRM government.
Several former DP members have defected to newly registered opposition formations like the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and Democratic Front (DF), citing dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
With the ultimatum clock ticking, the EC is now under pressure to either respond substantively to the petitions or face potential nationwide protests led by disillusioned DP factions.
“Our party’s legacy of democracy and justice must not be trampled,” Kirya concluded. “If the EC won’t defend it, the people will.”
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