By The internal elections of the Democratic Party (DP) are stirring controversy, with Mityana South MP Richard Lumu, a candidate for Secretary General, raising concerns over what he calls irregularities in the vetting process and a collapse of party structures nationwide.
Speaking to journalists on Monday 2th May, Lumu criticized the nomination procedures ahead of the party’s delegates’ conference, accusing the current leadership of deviating from traditional practices in a way that could compromise the fairness of the elections.
Also Read
Bobi Wine, EU Envoy Meet Over Rights Abuses Ahead Of 2026 Polls
FDC Eyes Unity As Flag Bearer Vetting Takes Center Stage
Lukwago Declares PFF Registration Complete, Mobilization Underway
Court Blocks Nalukoola’s Bid To Cross-Examine Nambi’s Witnesses
Lukolokomba Takes Over as Buikwe DP Chair, As Lulume Steps Down
“In DP, nominations are supposed to be conducted during the delegates’ conference itself,” Lumu said. “This time, the process has been flipped, and we are seeing a so-called verification committee whose formation and authority are unknown.”
Lumu particularly questioned why candidates were being allowed to verify each other’s academic documents, calling it a clear conflict of interest. “My academic documents were scrutinized by my fellow contestants, but I have not been allowed to see theirs,” he said. “That’s unfair and potentially a tool for disqualifying credible candidates.”
The party’s vetting approach, according to Lumu, lacks legal grounding and risks undermining the integrity of the entire electoral process. “We want to know: who appointed this committee, for what purpose, and under what authority? There’s no constitutional basis for this,” he added.
His remarks come at a time when DP is preparing to elect new leaders, including a Secretary Generala position Lumu says he is contesting to restore order and revitalize the party.
“The Democratic Party is in intensive care. Regional offices across the country have been shut down, and the party has lost its connection with the grassroots,” Lumu lamented. “I am contesting because I believe I can resuscitate this party and bring it back to life.”
Also Read
Cardinal Reveals What It Was Like To Be Part Of Conclave
Urban Leaders In Western Uganda Urged To Tackle Waste And Land Management
Defence Ministry Launches Empowerment Workshop For Veterans And Families In Mbale
Trump Unveils ‘Project Homecoming’ to Encourage Voluntary Self-Deportation
Agago Teacher Arrested For Alleged Defilement, Police Foil Mob Attack
He also decried what he called a breakdown in internal consultations, warning that the party risks alienating members in districts where no functioning structures exist. “Without active presence on the ground, how do we expect to mobilize and win elections?” he asked.
The DP’s electoral process is expected to culminate in a delegates’ conference later this year, where positions including party president, secretary general, and national chairman will be contested.
