DP Presidential Aspirant Alitia Asks SG Siranda To Resign Over Electoral ‘Fraud’

By Spy Uganda

Tensions within the Democratic Party (DP) continue to escalate as Hon. Alitia Elia, the party’s Vice President for Northern Uganda and a declared presidential contender, has publicly accused Secretary General Dr. Gerald Siranda and other party leaders of orchestrating a scheme to rig the upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC).

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Dr. Siranda and copied to top party officials including the President General, National Chairman, and Legal Advisor, Alitia raised serious concerns about transparency, legality, and fairness in the preparation and conduct of the NDC, slated for later this year.

Alitia questioned recent announcements made by the Secretary General during a press conference, particularly changes in nomination fees and the profiling of delegates. “Who decided the fees?” he asked, claiming that the National Executive Committee (NEC) had neither convened nor approved such amendments. According to Alitia, the increase in nomination fees for presidential candidates from UGX 5 million to UGX 10 million was unilaterally decided and lacks legal backing.

He further challenged the claim that 80% of delegates had already been profiled, arguing that several districts are still in the process of conducting lower-level elections, many of which are hampered by inadequate facilitation. “Is there a method being used known only to a select group of districts?” he questioned.

Alitia went on to criticize the decision to allow leaders vying for office to preside over the election process, calling it a conflict of interest. He demanded the immediate appointment of an independent elections committee, approved by the NEC, to ensure neutrality and credibility in overseeing the NDC.

He also raised alarm over what he described as non-transparent financial procedures, questioning the multiple payment channels for nomination fees and calling for the use of a centralized party bank account to avoid possible misuse of funds.

In his demands, Alitia called for the suspension of all ongoing structural elections and preparations for the NDC, pending an audit and formal approval of election guidelines by the NEC. He also urged all aspirants involved in organizing the elections to step down from their roles until a new committee is constituted.

“All processes in relation to the NDC must be suspended to ensure transparency and credibility,” Alitia stated. He further demanded a formal apology from the Secretary General to NEC, DP members, and the public for what he described as “usurping the powers of the constitutional organ of the Party.”

The letter, seen as a direct challenge to the current party leadership, has intensified the spotlight on internal divisions within the DP ahead of its much-anticipated national conference.

As of publication, Dr. Siranda had not issued a formal response to the allegations.