By Kabuye Ronald
The National Council of the Democratic Front (DF) has resolved not to field a presidential candidate or support any other contender in the upcoming presidential elections. The party cited continued bias and irregularities in elections organized by Uganda’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which it accused of favoring the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its long-time incumbent, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The resolution was passed during a National Council meeting held on Saturday at the party headquarters. Of the delegates present, 195 voted in favor of the resolution, while only 5 opposed it.
Delegates argued that the electoral process has become a mere ritual with predetermined outcomes that favor the incumbent. They stated that participating in such an election without first addressing its fundamental flaws would only serve to legitimize a sham process.
“The elections are a mere ritual with predetermined results. To participate without addressing these flaws is to lend credibility to a sham process. Therefore, in view of the foregoing, the DF National Council resolves that the Democratic Front shall not present a candidate or support any other person or party vying for the presidency in the next elections,” said Mike Mabike, DF Secretary General, while reading the resolution.
Despite opting out of the presidential race, the DF affirmed its commitment to participating in both local council and parliamentary elections. The party believes these platforms offer an opportunity to influence policy, push for electoral reforms, and advance a national transition and reconciliation agenda.
“The DF shall participate in the 2026 local government and parliamentary elections. The DF National Executive Committee (NEC) must do everything within its power to extend substantial support to all party flag bearers nationwide. This strategy aims to focus on and influence pro-people legislation, reforms, and transition. DF will use the general election process to popularize and promote its declared reforms and transition agenda,” the resolution further stated.
The Democratic Front also criticized both the ruling NRM and the main opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), accusing them of colluding to frustrate efforts toward meaningful electoral reform.
“Both NRM and NUP have consistently resisted electoral reforms, and in doing so, they speak the same language when it comes to maintaining the status quo,” the party alleged.
