Uganda’s democratic movement, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially launched a network of civic coordinators to push for constitutional and electoral reforms. The initiative, unveiled at the DA headquarters in Namirembe, was spearheaded by the alliance’s coordinator, Mathias Mpuuga, alongside key opposition figures.
The launch marks a significant step in the DA’s efforts to rally the nation towards what it describes as an overdue political transition. Among those present were DA chief promoters, including Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, Micheal Mabikke, and Henry Lubowa, as well as several Members of Parliament, such as Kimaanya-Kabonera’s Abed Bwanika, Masaka City Woman MP Juliet Kakande, and former Lubaga North MP Moses Kasibante.
Call for National Reforms
Mpuuga, in a passionate address, underscored the urgency of revisiting Uganda’s political structure, urging opposition groups to focus on systemic change rather than short-term electoral alliances. “It’s a duty of this generation to rethink the model of this country,” he said. “There is something wrong with our political DNA, and this generation must correct it.”
The DA leader criticized what he called the country’s ongoing political misrepresentation and reiterated the need for minimum reforms. “General Museveni should be the last dictator to preside over this nation and to abuse our generosity as a people,” he asserted.
The newly appointed coordinators, who will operate in all major regions of Uganda, have been tasked with mobilizing citizens to demand democratic reforms ahead of the next elections. Mpuuga insisted that unity among opposition forces should not be confined to election periods alone. “Should our unity only come at elections? We must unite around the processes that lead to elections, because those processes are just as important.”
Electoral Integrity and Political Transition
Highlighting past electoral irregularities, Mpuuga pointed to recent by-elections as evidence of a flawed system. “Elections from Kawempe North and other places should have been strong enough to remind us how we are stuck,” he noted. He urged the new coordinators to amplify calls for reforms, dismissing claims that it was too late to push for change.
“No one should deceive you that it’s too late for reforms,” he said. “If General Museveni does not want reforms, then how does he expect to declare you a winner?”
The DA leader also rejected any suggestion of participating in future elections without meaningful electoral changes. “We don’t want to be mere escorts at Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony,” Mpuuga declared. “If we lost a free and fair election, we would accept it. But we cannot just go into an election without challenging the system.”
Engagement Beyond Opposition Strongholds
As part of DA’s broader strategy, Mpuuga urged coordinators to engage with grassroots communities, including impoverished supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He stressed that DA’s mission was not about revenge but about ensuring accountability.
“Go and tell them that we are not out for revenge, but we are for justice,” he said. “If you were involved in electoral violence, you must explain yourself in court. We want everyone to be part of this agenda.”
The event concluded with Mpuuga expressing gratitude to the coordinators for their dedication to what he called a “new Uganda.” He assured them that DA leaders would visit their respective regions to reinforce the message of democratic change.