By Spy Uganda
Political storm is brewing within the Democratic Party (DP) ahead of its delegates conference slated for Friday, May 30, 2025, in Mbarara, as the newly released list of candidates for key party positions sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown. The list, circulated by DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda, has already sparked fierce backlash, accusations of manipulation, and even physical altercations at party headquarters.
The most controversial revelation? Norbert Mao, the incumbent President General, will now face Dr. Lulume Bayigga in a fierce leadership contest — a development that has reignited factional rivalries and raised eyebrows about how the list was compiled. Mao, who has led the party through turbulent times, is now fighting to retain control in the face of growing internal resistance.
Mao vs. Bayigga: Battle for the Top
According to the list released under the signature of the Election Management Committee, Dr. Bayigga is officially a contender for the President General slot, with proposers listed as P. Buyinza and E. Byanyima. Mao, meanwhile, enjoys backing from influential names like Herbert Rutagwera and Fred Mwesigwa.
The inclusion of Bayigga’s name sparked outrage among Mao’s camp, with accusations flying that Siranda “manufactured” the list to favor certain candidates.
Mukasa Mbidde Stands Unopposed
In stark contrast to the heated presidential race, Fred Mukasa Mbidde emerges as the unchallenged candidate for National Vice President, a development that further complicates the narrative. Mbidde’s unopposed bid is seen by some insiders as a calculated maneuver — possibly a power play — that positions him as a unifier in an increasingly fragmented party.
Tuesday’s Chaos: Prelude to Mbarara
The release of the candidate list triggered a dramatic fight at the DP offices in Kampala on Tuesday, when supporters of various camps stormed Balintuma Road headquarters, accusing each other of tampering with delegate representation. The most vocal were supporters of Masaka Municipality MP Richard Ssebamala, who allege the leadership deliberately excluded their delegates from the final list to tilt the conference outcome.
Party Organizing Secretary Daniel Mivule accused Mao’s leadership of “playing games,” claiming delegates were denied invitation cards despite promises of distribution.
“The party administration is intentionally kicking out some of the delegates,” Mivule declared, fueling anger and further destabilizing trust within party ranks.
Beyond the Presidency: A Crowded Field
With tensions at an all-time high, the Mbarara delegates conference could either reinvent or rupture the DP’s legacy. The very credibility of the party’s internal democracy is on the line, with grassroots supporters now more divided than ever.
Below Is Full List of DP Candidates – Mbarara 2025
President General
- Norbert Mao
- Lulume Bayigga
National Chairman
- Mayambala Kiwanuka
- Gilbert Sammy
National Vice President
- Fred Mukasa Mbidde (Unopposed)
Secretary General
- Gerald Siranda
- Richard Lumu
Deputy Secretary General
- Christine Mugerwa Kasule
National Treasurer
- Mary Babirye Kabanda
- Zimula Kasirye Fre
Deputy National Treasurer
- John Bosco Kamoga
National Publicity Secretary
- Okoler Opio Lo Amanu
- Lukumbuka Briens
Deputy National Publicity Secretary
- Dennis Majwala Lukanga
- Pirio Gasper
Secretary for PWDs
- Waki Edward
Deputy Secretary for PWDs
- Kalungi Maureen
National Vice Chairman
- Lyndro Komakech
- Opoka Simon
National Legal Advisor
- Doreen Akware
Deputy National Legal Advisor
- Nsubuga Kenneth
President – UYD
- Hellen Sayuni
- Mpunge Michael
Deputy President – UYD
- Asiku Michael
- Nannyanzi Joyce
- Esther Agaba
Secretary – UYD
- Nakibuule Hajara
Deputy Secretary – UYD
- Adam Ssengooba
Secretary – Veterans
- Oyonga Fred
- Alex Chesang
Deputy Secretary – Veterans
- Obini Gerald
Secretary – Elderly
- Bishaka Barnabas
- Namwanza Eriana
Deputy Secretary – Elderly
- Byansi George
Sub Regional Representatives
- Kwatakunsawo Kiwanuka Fredrick
- Bashir Khamis
- Kiyingi Godfrey
- David Ndinywa Pande
- Obol Justine Simpleman
- Onono Fred
- Nyanga Pasquale
- Lukyamuzi Dick
- Kigonya A.
- Magid Katende
- Wakabi Joseph
- Jeremiah Lugogobe
- Achola Stella
- Grace Asiimwe
- Alex Chesang
- Asia Zubairi
- Hood Ntege
President – Women League
- Sarah Adong
- Nakuya Aida
- Nakyanja Annet Mawejje
Deputy President – Women League
- Babra Alwoko
- Deborah Kisa
- Benadet Businge
Secretary – Women League
- Mesiku Fionah
- Kulabako Faith
Deputy Secretary – Women League
- Winfred Nakalembe
Secretary – International & Diaspora
- Edema Rodrigo
Deputy Secretary – International & Diaspora
- Yasin Ssemakula Amin
- Aluki George
Secretary – Workers League
- Tuku Neko
Deputy Secretary – Workers League
- Aisha Kaggwa
Regional Vice Presidents
- Buganda: Fred George Kagimu
- Northern: Peter Okot
- Eastern: Deo Hasubi Njoki
- Western: Imam Makumbi
National Organising Secretary
- Herbert Rutagwera
Deputy National Organising Secretary
- Ronald Muyini
- Abiti Emmanuel
