Uganda's Democratic Party faces major problems before the 2026 elections. Edith Byanyima says party leaders plan a fake National Delegates Conference next week. The meeting will happen at Ruti near Mbarara without proper planning. Many longtime members learned about the conference through social media after being left out. Party officials have not announced which people can vote or who wants to run for office.
Richard Lumu filed a complaint about illegal changes to party rules. Secretary General Gerald Siranda Black made changes without asking other party leaders first. The new rules give the Secretary General control over party money and operations. A small Management Committee of four people can make decisions for the whole party. Leaders removed groups that represent young people and women from official recognition.
The party wants candidates to pay large fees to run for leadership positions. These costs stop regular members from joining the race for party jobs. Byanyima thinks court cases will not fix these problems because legal fights have been stuck for years. The Democratic Party started as a symbol of democracy after Uganda became independent. Party conflicts may destroy its chances of winning votes during the next election.
Richard Lumu filed a complaint about illegal changes to party rules. Secretary General Gerald Siranda Black made changes without asking other party leaders first. The new rules give the Secretary General control over party money and operations. A small Management Committee of four people can make decisions for the whole party. Leaders removed groups that represent young people and women from official recognition.
The party wants candidates to pay large fees to run for leadership positions. These costs stop regular members from joining the race for party jobs. Byanyima thinks court cases will not fix these problems because legal fights have been stuck for years. The Democratic Party started as a symbol of democracy after Uganda became independent. Party conflicts may destroy its chances of winning votes during the next election.
