By The Democratic Party (DP) has kicked off its much-anticipated national delegates’ conference, drawing over 1,400 party delegates from across Uganda to decide on the future leadership of the country’s oldest political party.
The conference, which opened with a day of delegate registration and orientation, is expected to culminate in a high-stakes election for the position of party president a race that pits incumbent Norbert Mao against Masaka Municipality MP Richard Ssebamala, who is calling for a generational shift in the party’s leadership.
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According to Herbert Rutagwera, the party’s national organizing secretary, the conference aims to renew the party’s leadership through democratic processes grounded in grassroots representation.
“Delegates have come from every district, selected at constituency level,” Rutagwera explained. “We have approximately 1,400 delegates gathered here. Today began with registration to verify that each delegate was duly elected at the constituency level. Once confirmed, we will proceed with our program, including speeches from party elders meant to reconnect us with our past and values.”
The conference comes at a critical time for the Democratic Party, which has faced internal divisions and waning political influence in recent years. While Mao is seeking a fifth term, he faces mounting pressure from party factions seeking change.
One of the most vocal challengers is MP Richard Ssebamala, who has positioned himself as the face of DP’s revival. In his address to the media upon arrival, pledged to rebuild party structures, mobilize grassroots support, and re-establish the party’s charitable and people-centred roots.
“We are going to work on mobilisation, fundraising, and reconnecting with the people,” Ssebamala said. “The Democratic Party used to stand for charity, to uplift the poor. We must return to that tradition and use it as a springboard to seek political power.”
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Ssebamala also touted his electoral experience as a former underdog who defeated a sitting vice president in a past parliamentary race.
“I know what it takes to beat a powerful opponent,” he said. “I’ve seen how the Electoral Commission works, how security operations are managed, and how to connect with voters. I want to train our leaders in the same strategies to secure victories across the country.”
The atmosphere at the conference remains tense but hopeful, as delegates weigh the future direction of a party deeply rooted in Uganda’s political history. The leadership vote is expected to take place in the coming days.
