Lulume dumps DP ticket, leaves Mao fuming

BUIKWE - The Buikwe South County Member of Parliament, Dr. Phillip Lulume Bayigga, has thrown away his Democratic Party (DP) ticket he has held since 2007 to contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections.

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Lulume announced during a consultation meeting with voters, attributing the move to Norbert Mao's recent re-election for a fourth term as the DP party president general.

“As long as Mao remains as the DP party president general following the disputed Asamar Country Hotel delegates conference elections in Mbarara, I will not contest on the DP ticket,” Lulume said.

"My supporters have resolved that I come on another ticket or an independent ticket, but not DP when Mao is still the president general," he insisted. 

Lulume's decision comes shortly after DP secretary general, Gerald Siranda, announced party ticket waivers to six MPs in parliament, including himself and the Bukoto Central MP, Richard Sebamala, who was disqualified from contesting against Mao.

DP president general and Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Nobert Mao speaking to Journalists at Balintuma Road offices in Kampala. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

“The DP leadership, including Mao, was elected unlawfully. Our High Court case outlines the unjust process, right from the start to the chaos in Mbarara during the national delegates' conference. Our case is in court,” Sebamala said when asked.

Lulume, who contested and lost as DP president general, quit the party he joined as a youth following a disagreement with Mao and others at Balintuma Road, whom he accused of manipulating election results to get elected for the fourth term ending in 2030.

A group of DP leaders, led by Julius Ddumba, in May 2025 petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) to suspend the delegates conference conducted on May 30, 2025, but the EC decision remains to be seen.