By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) under the Democratic Party (DP) has urged the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) not to nominate the party president general Nobert Mao for party presidential flag bearer in the coming general elections 2026, citing concerns over Mao’s leadership legitimacy.
The group led by UYD president emeritus Ismail Kiirya says Mao’s leadership is illegal due to alleged irregularities during the DP delegates’ conference held in Mbarara
The UYD members allege that the conference was marred by fraud and irregularities and that over ten petitions have since been submitted to the IEC by aggrieved party leaders and district chairpersons calling for intervention in what they describe as a party leadership crisis
Kiirya claims the Mbarara event was based on a fraudulent constitution. He adds that DP members had earlier petitioned the IEC not to gazette recent constitutional amendments which he says were allegedly forged and not discussed at the previous Gulu delegates conference contravening Article 15 section 3(b) of the political parties and organisations act.
Yesterday, August 18, 2025, Norbert Mao, through the DP secretary General, Gerald Siranda picked nomination and supporter forms at the IEC headquarters Kampala to officially commence his presidential nomination process.
Micheal Mpunge also a member of UYD says despite the petitions, the IEC turned a deaf ear allowing a delegates’ conference to proceed under illegitimate guidelines adding that the result was one of the most fraudulent party elections in Ugandan history. He further accussed IEC of being under pressure from high-ranking officials including the minister of Justice and constitutional affairs Norbert Mao to dismiss the petitions without fair consideration.
Anthony Wadimba, the former DP president general private say if the IEC not to nominate Norbert Mao despite the ongoing disputes over his leadership, t would be adding an insult to an injury
“Nominating Mao could exacerbate existing tensions within the party, potentially leading to further divisions and instability, such a move might be perceived as disregarding the concerns of party members and the public, potentially damaging the party’s reputation,” Wadimba said.
The UYD party president in charge of Kampala Julius Dumba, says DP members are calling for a resolution to the leadership dispute before any nominations are made, emphasizing the need for clarity and legitimacy in party leadership
“The UYD is demanding that the Electoral Commission investigate the petitions lodged against Mao’s leadership and take necessary actions before his nomination,” Julius added.
