DP youth challenge NRM cooperation as consultations begin
"These engagements are crucial for shaping our direction and determining the next course of action that will enable us to revive the glory and might of the Democratic Party," Kiirya stated.
Kiirya explained that the agreement, signed in July 2022, was only valid until the next elections, which occurred in January of this year. (Credit: Yosam Gucwaki)
MASINDI - Youth leaders from the Democratic Party (DP), operating under their pressure group DP at Heart, have initiated a countrywide consultation with various DP leaders and elders.
Their objective is to strategise on how to liberate DP from what they described as "NRM claws".
During a press conference held on April 18, 2026, at Albert Guest House in Masindi town, Ismail Kiirya, the DP at Heart chairperson, announced their decision to engage and consult DP stakeholders, particularly elders and district chairpersons.
The aim is to understand how these individuals maintained the party's spirit through the turbulent periods of the 1960s to the early 1990s.
In Masindi, the youth met with all district DP chairpersons from the Bunyoro sub-region and party elders.
"These engagements are crucial for shaping our direction and determining the next course of action that will enable us to revive the glory and might of the Democratic Party," Kiirya stated.
"As you may be aware, Honourable Norbert Mao was seen in Kyankwanzi purporting to attend the retreat on the basis of the DP/NRM cooperation agreement," Kiirya said, emphasising that this was a personal arrangement, made without consulting any DP party organ, and informed the country that "the said agreement is expired and cannot be relied upon to conduct DP affairs."
Kiirya further explained that the agreement, signed in July 2022, was only valid until the next elections, which occurred in January of this year.
He confirmed that consultations have already been conducted in the Tooro region and will continue until all regions are covered.
DP at Heart members with Bunyoro's party leaders. (Credit: Yosam Gucwaki)
DP at Heart members also expressed disappointment over the silence of DP leaders regarding the "obnoxious sovereignty Bill" tabled before Parliament.
Julius Dumba, the DP spokesperson from Uganda Young Democrats, Lubaga Division, said the bill was extensively discussed in Cabinet, where the controversial DP president sits.
"DP was formed to fight for social justice and the rule of law. But ever since he joined the NRM 'eating club,' Honourable Mao has been loudly silent and an accomplice in passing draconian laws that are meant to oppress Ugandans, the exact opposite of the reason DP was formed," argued Dumba.
He assured DP members and the country that "DP at Heart remains a reliable alternative committed to restoring sanity and the rule of law in Uganda's oldest political party."
"We call upon all DP members nationwide, irrespective of age and gender, to join this noble cause," he urged.
As part of their engagement, members of DP at Heart also donated aprons to over 50 vendors at Masindi Central Market, aiming to attract their support for the party and provide them with a distinctive look during their operations.
The DP chairpersons and elders commended the DP youth leaders for the initiative, noting that they have recently not been involved in party activities despite being recognised as leaders.
Innocent Turyahikayo, a member of the Democratic Party in Masindi, said the engagement had a strong impact on participants, explaining that it has rejuvenated the love for the party.