DP's Mayambala decries disunity, faults MPs

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The Democratic Party (DP) national chairman, Dr Ssempala Kiwanuka Mayambala, has expressed concern about the party’s future, citing internal disunity allegedly fueled by the party's representatives in Parliament (MPs).

Mayambala’s sentiments about rifts within the 70-year-old pioneer party in Uganda come amid a backdrop of factionalism within the party, which has been exacerbated by disagreements over leadership and alliances with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and other opposition parties.

Giving opening remarks to the first sitting of the 1st session of the 13th DP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala Complex at Pope Paul VI Memorial Hotel, Rubaga division in Kampala on Friday, September 19, 2025, Mayambala called for calm and improved internal relations.

Under the theme, “building bridges, a pathway for a Uganda that works for all,” Mayambala emphasised teamwork and reconciliation among the hostile members to propel DP to greatness again.

“DP MPs in parliament are uncontrollable. It hurts more when they start funding diversionary party activities to undermine existing leadership. We need to stick to only those MPs who stick to our constitution, which asks us to respect our leaders. These members have been insulting us on the televisions and radios, yet they failed to pay party dues and instead fund diversionary activities that keep us fighting all the time,” he disclosed.

Mayambala accused the legislators of indiscipline and media warfare against the Balintuma leadership. He further lamented that disunity fueled by instability waves keeps derailing the party. 

With parliamentary seats dwindling from 15 in 2016 to six in 2025, some members were calling for a return to the party’s opposition roots.

As the party navigates these turbulent waters, several delegates called for reconciliation and clear direction for the party’s future, Mayambala suggested.

Factionalism and leadership disputes

The DP national chairman, Dr Kiwanuka Mayambala, DP President Nobert Mao and DP Deputy President, Fred Mukasa Mbidde attending NEC at Pope Paul VI Hotel, Rubaga, on Friday. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

At the centre of the dispute is DP president, Nobert Mao, whose leadership has been challenged by some dissent party members, including Bukoto Central MP, Richard Sebamala, who has been vocal about Mao’s leadership, citing the party’s dwindling influence.

“This agreement, which secured Mao’s appointment as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has been the point of contention among DP members, with some viewing it as a betrayal of the party’s principles,” Mayambala said.

The DP president general, Nobert Mao, challenged all DP leaders to sensitise citizens on the transition agenda strategy in 2026 at Pope Paul VI Memorial Hotel in Rubaga on Friday. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

On Friday, Mao called on the newly appointed members of the NEC to champion the party’s transition agenda during the 2026 election campaigns, emphasising the importance of unity and cooperation among party members for Uganda to achieve a peaceful transfer of power.

"We need: dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation among party members to achieve this goal while working with the government.

Our party is wounded, and some of our members are confused, throwing pigs at us, and this is my urgent call for you to trust one another.

Let us be accountable, let us focus on results, and our target for the parliament shall be 50 MPs if we are to control the next parliament as leaders of the opposition,” Mao encouraged.

With the 2026 elections approaching, the party’s success will depend on its ability to mobilise support and promote its vision for a peaceful transition.