DP delegates conference turns into chaos in Mbarara city

2 June 2025, 3:58 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Democratic Party (DP) organised its 12th National Delegates Conference, which was held in Mbarara city. However, according to some attendees, the event was marred by irregularities. The conference, which was supposed to end on 1st June 2025, took an unexpected turn.

In his address, one of the aspiring presidential candidates, Dr. Lulume Michael, declared that he is the only viable option for the Democratic Party.

“I have fought Hon. Mao twice, and he has defeated me. I have always backed him up, but under his leadership, our party is captive. Vote for me, and next time he sees me, he will salute me,” he said.

It should be noted that the vote tallying on the previous day was abruptly moved into hotel rooms, sparking protests from delegates and agents at the scene. Chaos also broke out after the names of several candidates, including presidential aspirant Richard Sebamala and Vincent Kawere from Makindye Ssabagabo, who had contested for a different position, were removed from the ballot. The affected members began demanding a refund of their nomination fees.

In the scuffle, Mukono South Member of Parliament, Fred Kayondo, was badly beaten. However, after receiving treatment, he returned to the venue.

The elections began after a lengthy delay. Tensions escalated during the vote-counting process when the presiding officer and security personnel reportedly grabbed ballot boxes from the tally centre and moved them to the Asamar Country Resort Main Hall. This incident followed an attempt by the owner of the original tally centre premises to remove the DP tent, claiming the party’s contract had expired. Some DP members alleged that this was a trick by the party’s electoral commission to rig the vote in favor of the incumbent party president.

While delivering his remarks, Norbert Mao urged delegates to re-elect him.

“What if I wasn’t here? What would this conference look like? Some of you would have returned without all your teeth. You need someone who can defend you and the party. I am the last matchstick you have in the matchbox,” he said.