DP members want Nambooze, Lukwago jettisoned from party

Members of the Democratic Party (DP) in Rubaga division have asked the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) to sack Mukono North MP Betty Nambooze and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago from the party.

Nambooze on 31^st March planned a conference for party leaders in the Buganda region under the theme 'Making DP Great Again' ahead of the 2021 general elections, which the party president Norbert Mao did not agree with.

Mao in his letter dated 20^th March addressed to Nambooze, noted that the scheduled meeting contravened to the party constitution and a standing resolution of NEC, which requires regional leaders to coordinate their programs with NEC and get prior approval.

On Friday while addressing the media at their Rubaga division party office, members said Lukwago and Nambooze are a bad influence to the rest of the party members especially the youth.

Rubaga division DP chair, Jackson Kasozi, said the party has a constitution which all members have to follow, adding that Lukwago and Nambooze ceased following it a long time ago.

"The two are responsible for the several sects like ‘Truth for Justice' in our party, they also do not respect the party elected leadership," he said.

Kasozi added that Lukwago and Nambooze have for long accused Mao of tarnishing the party's image and said the two are weakening the party because they totally refused to support the party's candidates in the 2016 elections.

"Those two are greedy for power; however they should wait for the president's term to end and contest on whichever post they want in the party" he said.

Agnes Nayiga explained that they are disappointed with Nambooze's acts, adding that being the party's vice chairperson for Buganda region, she has to serve as a good example to all of them.

"The people of Rubaga will not follow Nambooze's acts, she is just a selfish person who wants to use party members to register her sect for funds from donors" Nayiga said.

She added that as a party member, Nambooze should have followed the party constitution and reported to the party heads her plans to have a party leaders' meeting for support and guidance.

Angela Kigoonya asked the party NEC to also suspend the Kampala chairperson Vincent Mayanja, alleging that he has joined forces with people that are disrupting peace in the party.

While responding to the allegations in a phone interview, Mayanja said DP is a place where members are allowed to have debate adding that the party members in Rubaga have the right to petition the NEC.

"What makes them feel that what they think is what is right and what others think is wrong? I will face the party NEC if they petition with grounds," he added.

Mayanja added that he does not condemn the Rubaga party members adding that they are under the influence of other top party members like Mukasa Mbidde.

"DP is of two sides, the one of members who think the party should be independent opposition, and the one which President Museveni calls 'the good DP'" he concluded.