Mao's DP summons NEC over flag bearers
The meeting shall consider the applications of all those who expressed interest in contesting on the DP party ticket for approval, added Kasule.
The DP Deputy Secretary General, Christine Mugerwa Kasule (fouth left) and other DP leaders who attended the press conference at Balintuma Road Head offices on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. (Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)
By Isaac Nuwagaba
Journalists @New Vision
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The Democratic Party (DP) has issued a notice summoning 54 National Executive Committee (NEC) members to address key concerns over the selection of flag bearers for the upcoming general elections in 2026.
This move comes as the party grapples with internal conflicts and defections, which have threatened its stability and electoral prospects following a series of events that have raised questions about the party’s direction and leadership.
While addressing a weekly press conference on Tuesday, August 26, at DP Headquarters in Kampala, Deputy Secretary General, Christine Mugerwa Kasule, said that this development is provided for under article 72 of the DP party constitution.
“Notice is hereby given that a meeting of NEC of the DP party shall be held on Thursday, September 4, and Friday, September 5, 2023, in Mbarara city,” Mugerwa said.
The meeting shall consider the applications of all those who expressed interest in contesting on the DP party ticket for approval, she added.
“A list of the selected flag bearers shall be released on that day. The constituencies and local government positions which shall remain vacant without people expressing interest to represent them in the 2026 general elections shall remain open for people to continue showing interest in them,” Mugerwa disclosed.
After the NEC meeting, the party shall proceed to Isingiro district in Rugaga town council to welcome former National Resistance Movement (NRM) district chairperson, Jeremiah Kamurari and his supporters who deflected from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s ruling party over sham party primary elections.
“Kamurari has already shown interest in contesting for Bukanga North County constituency on the DP ticket following the sham NRM party primary elections that left his victory stolen away from him," Mugerwa claimed.
DP’s electoral management committee chairperson, Kennedy Mutenyo said that 191 party leaders expressed interest in running for the Member of Parliament (MP) positions countrywide, with 37% of aspirants from Buganda region picking forms.
Bukoto central MP, Richard Sebamala outlining why he dragged DP establishment in court.
“Other 23% aspirants from Northern region picked forms, 21% aspirants from Eastern region showed interest, and only 19% picking interest to represent Western region,” Mutenyo revealed.
Sebamala pushed out of NEC meeting
A parliamentary legislator for Bukoto Central MP, Richard Sebamala, becomes the only lawmaker on the DP ticket to have been shown exit during NEC meeting in Mbarara following his controversial involvement in challenging the Balintuma establishment.
Sebamala filed a court case in the High Court challenging the election of the DP party President General and the Minister of Justice, Norbert Mao, during a hotly contested delegates conference that was held at Asamar Country Resort Hotel in Ruti Mbarara on May 31 this year.
“Sebamala is no longer a NEC member as he is still in parliament on the DP ticket. He still has a party waiver to stand alone without being challenged by any DP member in his next election, but he is now regarded only as a member of the parliamentary group and that is not a provision for him to attend NEC,” Mugerwa observed.
“For Sebamala to attend our NEC, it is only the Secretary General of the party who can invite him, but as it stands, he is not our member, and he will not attend because he was not elected to any position in Mbarara,” Mugerwa insisted.
Sebamala reacts
After what happened in Mbarara, I had to consolidate my team and focus on remedies, including filing a petition with the Electoral Commission and pursuing a court case, he said.
“I am a 100% DP member, and I have no intention of joining any other party like the People's Front for Freedom (PFF) or otherwise. I have been approached to run as a presidential candidate elsewhere, but I am still tussling it out whether to run for MP or presidency. I will not attend because I do not recognise the Balintuma establishment under Mao,” he responded.
The selection of flag bearers is a critical aspect of the electoral process, and the DP's NEC will need to ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and inclusive.
“Any elected flag bearer will be required to sign commitment letters to prevent them from being nominated on the ticket of other parties,” insisted Mutenyo.
The party's ability to present a united front and make strategic decisions will be crucial in determining its electoral prospects.