UYD storms electoral commission offices over party leadership dispute; four arrested

22 July 2025, 6:17 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

A group of Democratic Party (DP) leaders under the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) has today gathered at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, demanding a meeting with the Commission’s Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, over what they describe as ongoing injustices within their party.

The group accuses DP President Norbert Mao of betraying the party by signing a controversial memorandum of understanding with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). They allege that Mao’s actions are misleading the party and contradict its founding principles.

Speaking to journalists at the Commission offices, Kiirya Ismael, an emeritus leader of the Uganda Young Democrats, stated that they would not leave until they had met with the Chairperson.

“Last week, the Uganda Young Democrats issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Electoral Commission to respond to our petitions regarding the fraudulent Mbarara elections, which have remained unanswered for over three months. To date, the Commission has not communicated anything, even as elections draw near,” Kiirya said.

He added that although they are exploring other legal options as advised, they are aware that the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs—who also serves as the DP President—has previously assured his colleagues that the party cannot win cases in a judiciary he controls.

Kiirya emphasised that they will not allow the party to be manipulated by a president general whom they believe was not properly elected during the Mbarara conference. He urged the Electoral Commission to act under the Political Parties and Organisations Act, which grants it the authority to intervene when political parties violate their own constitutions.

“Today we have decided to visit Justice Simon Byabakama for a formal conversation regarding our petitions. Perhaps he is facing internal pressure or challenges we are not aware of,” Kiirya added.

However, before meeting the Chairperson, four UYD representatives were arrested by police at the Electoral Commission headquarters.

In response to the developments, the Commission’s Deputy Spokesperson, Paul Bukenya, confirmed that the Commission had indeed received petitions from Democratic Party members concerning the Mbarara delegates’ conference.

“We received petitions from Democratic Party members regarding the delegates’ conference, and we shall make a statement once the Commission has gathered sufficient information. As for the ultimatum — you cannot issue an ultimatum to the Commission,” Bukenya said.

The Uganda Young Democrats have vowed to continue pursuing justice over what they describe as the betrayal of their party.