DP elections: Commotion escalates, Mukono MP injured

________________

The disenfranchisement of Democratic Party (DP) voters and candidates at the delegates’ conference in Mbarara city has continued to cause chaos at the party’s election tally centre at ASAMAR Country Resort Hotel. The commotion has led to the injury of Mukono South Member of Parliament (MP) Fred Kayondo.

The tally centre at the DP National Delegates Conference was on Monday, June 2, 2025, morning relocated to the hotel's conference hall after the owners of the mega tent chased DP out, claiming the party had exceeded the agreed rental time.

This disorganised the ongoing voting exercise, and they decided to relocate the tally centre at Asamar Country Resort and this prompted delegates opposing DP president general Norbert Mao and his leadership to protest, claiming that it was one of the tricks they are using to rig the elections.

Security operatives sealed off the hotel to ensure peace and security and blocked journalists from accessing the new tally centre.

Security operatives sealed of the DP tally centre in a mega tent at ASAMAR country resort Hotel in Mbarara City after chaos broke up on Sunday. (Courtesy)

Delegates who reported on May 30, 2025, at the ASAMAH Country resort hotel for the party’s 12th National delegates conference and election of party leaders, have never enjoyed their freedom as the whole process has been locked in chaos since day one.

They accuse the conveners of the conference of manipulating the whole exercise by removing the names of delegates on the voting list to frustrate them.

Delegates also accuse former party leaders, Mao, for selling their party in a co-operation agreement between the party with the National Resistance Movement.

On Sunday at about 3:00 pm, chaos broke out after Siranda read out the names of those contesting for different party leadership positions, excluding Richard Sebamala from the ballot to contest for the president general seat.



This angered delegates, who started throwing plastic bottles at the party conference conveners.

The scuffle ensued when the affected party members demanded a cash refund as a condition to be part of the candidates vying for different positions.

Mukono South member of Parliament (MP) Fred Kayondo, also Sebamala's supporter and others refused to leave the stage, which prompted Mbarara City South Division Resident Commissioner Robert Kanusu order security operatives to restore peace and order.

In the process of the scuffle with security operatives, Kayondo was roughed up and injured. He was later lifted into a vehicle and rushed to a health facility.

An angry Sebamala accused Mao and his fellow leaders of manipulating the electoral process for selfish gains, and warned that the traitors would be pushed out of the party.

Mao was left to tussle with Buikwe South MP Dr Micheal Bayigga Lulume and party vice-president general (West Nile) Dr Alitia Elia.

The exercise for vote counting is still ongoing.