By Spy Uganda
In a landmark resolution passed during the 1st Session of the 1st Meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) today, the Democratic Party (DP) announced that it will not field a candidate for the presidency in the upcoming general elections. Instead, the Party will dedicate its energy and resources to contesting and winning Parliamentary and local government seats across the country.
The motion was moved by Hon. Dr. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, Vice President of the DP, and seconded by senior party figures including Mr. Oyonga Fred, National Secretary for Defence and Veteran Affairs; Alhajir Makumbi Imam, DP Vice President for the Western Region; and Mr. Ndinywa Peter, DP Representative for the Bukedi Region.
The decision signals a major strategic shift for Uganda’s oldest political party, which is now prioritizing resource optimization, grassroots mobilization, and long-term sustainability over a costly and uncertain presidential race. Hon. Mbidde said the move was not a retreat but a repositioning aimed at maximizing DP’s political influence. “This is not a retreat but a strategic repositioning to maximize our impact and ensure meaningful electoral gains,” he stated.
The adopted motion commits DP to channeling all human and financial resources towards winnable Parliamentary and local government contests, while consolidating gains from the NRM/DP Cooperation Agreement to advance justice, national unity, and development. It also tasks the Party with taking a lead role in voter education, election monitoring, and advocating for electoral reforms to ensure credible polls.
As part of the strategy, the Party’s President, Hon. Norbert Mao — who also serves as Uganda’s Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs — has been appointed the chief campaigner for all DP candidates. He will spearhead countrywide mobilization efforts and resource mobilization to strengthen the Party’s presence at the grassroots level.
Supporters of the resolution have hailed it as a bold and pragmatic approach to building legislative power and empowering marginalized groups, including women and youth, to take up leadership roles. Critics, however, warn that the absence of a DP candidate in the presidential race could weaken the Party’s visibility on the national stage.
Political observers say the move could significantly reshape the 2026 electoral landscape, positioning DP as a kingmaker in Parliament and a key player in local governance reforms.
