A group of Democratic Party (DP) exiles crawling back into Uganda’s oldest political organisation as a “bloc” has doodled Mathias Mpuuga’s name on a draft 2026 presidential election ballot paper.
This group, spearheaded by ex-MP Michael Mabikke and activist Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku, publicly endorsed Mpuuga at a lively gathering in Namirembe, Kampala, despite his absence from the event.
Mabikke, who previously left DP to establish the Social Democratic Party, along with Mukaaku, expressed strong confidence in Mpuuga, the Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, asserting that he is the ideal leader for the Opposition in Uganda’s central region. This endorsement comes on the heels of a challenging year for Mpuuga, who faced criticism regarding his role as the former Leader of the Opposition and had transitioned from DP to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
While Mpuuga was not available for comment regarding the endorsement, he has announced a media briefing, leading to speculation that he will address recent developments concerning his political future.
The signs indicate a possible return to DP for Mpuuga, especially after a fallout with NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi. The gathering attracted supporters from various districts, many of whom wore T-shirts featuring Mpuuga’s image, clearly voicing their dissatisfaction with Kyagulanyi’s leadership, which they claim has failed to unite the opposition.
Moses Mbowa, a former councillor in Rubaga Division, shared his frustration, stating, “We were instrumental in building Kyagulanyi’s political image, yet he has chosen to abandon us.” He and others accused Kyagulanyi of aligning with politicians linked to the ruling NRM party, which they view as a betrayal of their original mission.
Henry Lubowa voiced similar concerns, labeling Kyagulanyi as “heartless” for neglecting his supporters. The newly formed DP bloc, once aligned with Kyagulanyi, is now solidly behind Mpuuga as a promising candidate for the upcoming election, with supporters describing him as approachable and respectful compared to Kyagulanyi.
Leaders within the DP bloc are calling for unity among party members to regain their political influence as the 2026 elections approach. “You have the power to change the landscape. Stand together, collaborate, and restore DP to its rightful place,” Mukaaku urged.
Mpuuga’s political journey has faced many obstacles; he transitioned from DP to NUP before the 2021 elections, later serving as Vice President for the Central Region and then as Leader of the Opposition. However, his relationship with NUP has deteriorated amid allegations of corruption and internal conflicts.
The drive to elevate Mpuuga appears to be a calculated move by former allies of Kyagulanyi, who feel that their role in his political ascent has been overlooked. As the 2026 elections draw nearer, the shifting dynamics within Uganda’s opposition signal potential changes in the political landscape.
