Uganda's Democratic Party meeting turned into a fight between rival groups. Norbert Mao supporters faced off against Richard Sebamala backers during the Mbarara conference. Kennedy Mutenyo ran the party elections and watched chaos unfold. Police officers deployed heavily to maintain order. The conference lasted five days instead of three because of constant disruptions.
Sebamala wanted to challenge Mao for party leadership but lacked proper qualifications. Party rules require presidential candidates to serve ten years or sit on the executive committee for five years. Sebamala had only served four years and eight months as a member. Mutenyo refused to put his name on the ballot because he failed to meet requirements. Sebamala supporters attacked Mutenyo at party headquarters before the conference.
The violence showed deep problems within opposition parties according to Mutenyo. He said corruption exists among politicians who criticize the ruling party. Sebamala defended his actions and promised to clean up the Democratic Party. Six party members took Mao to court over his cooperation deal with the government. Mao won another five-year term despite the bitter fighting.
Sebamala wanted to challenge Mao for party leadership but lacked proper qualifications. Party rules require presidential candidates to serve ten years or sit on the executive committee for five years. Sebamala had only served four years and eight months as a member. Mutenyo refused to put his name on the ballot because he failed to meet requirements. Sebamala supporters attacked Mutenyo at party headquarters before the conference.
The violence showed deep problems within opposition parties according to Mutenyo. He said corruption exists among politicians who criticize the ruling party. Sebamala defended his actions and promised to clean up the Democratic Party. Six party members took Mao to court over his cooperation deal with the government. Mao won another five-year term despite the bitter fighting.
