By Kabuye Ronald
The Democratic Forces (DF) leadership has reaffirmed its earlier call for supporters to thoroughly scrutinize opposition presidential candidates and make individual choices ahead of the upcoming national election.
In September, the DF National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved not to field a presidential candidate or officially support any candidate from other opposition parties. Instead, the NEC advised supporters to independently decide whom to back for the presidency.
Addressing traders at the Kikuubo business center in Masaka City, DF President Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba reiterated the party’s position, noting that DF—still in its infancy—lacked sufficient time and resources to present a presidential candidate. He emphasized that members are free to choose from among the available opposition contenders whom they believe is best positioned to liberate the country.
DF National Treasurer Dr. Abed Bwanika dismissed claims that the party’s decision reflects weakness or a shortage of capable leaders. He explained that the party has several potential presidential figures, but the NEC resolved to focus its limited resources on strengthening parliamentary and local government leadership.
Leaders including Hon. Julie Kakande, who is seeking to retain the Masaka City Woman MP seat; Dr. Abed Bwanika, the Kimaanya–Kabonera MP; and Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, the Nyendo–Mukungwe MP, highlighted key achievements over their four-year tenure. These include improvements to the city stadium, Masaka Recreation Grounds, road infrastructure, schools, and community wealth-creation programs. They appealed to voters to renew their mandates to complete ongoing work.
Mpuuga also cautioned the electorate against engaging in politics of personal attacks and segregation based on party colors, warning that such divisions could harm the community. He urged voters to give all candidates a fair platform and to make choices based on each candidate’s manifesto.
Hon. Julie Kakande encouraged residents to judge leaders by their track record and service delivery capacity rather than the political excitement stirred by opponents.
