Ssemo raps Ssebaana over DP wrangles
Oct 27, 2008
The president of the Democratic Party (DP), John Ssebaana Kizito, has been criticised over the ongoing strife in the party.
By Francis Kagolo
The president of the Democratic Party (DP), John Ssebaana Kizito, has been criticised over the ongoing strife in the party.
Former party president Dr. Paul Ssemwogerere said the wrangles among DP top officials were undermining the party and expressed doubt that the party would win the 2011 elections.
He was on Sunday addressing party supporters in Busiro South constituency at Joyna Guest House in Wakiso district.
The wrangles escalated last month after the election of Bukoto South MP Mathias Nsubuga as the party’s
secretary general.
Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga, who was acting general secretary, contested the election, accusing Ssebaana, party legal adviser Erias Lukwago and other party officials of foul play.
Non-Baganda officials also rejected the election, saying the leaders had proved allegations that DP was a party for only the Baganda and Catholics.
Ssemwogerere advised the leaders to ensure that the party reclaimed its national identity.
“Muslims, Catholics and members from other religions fought fearlessly to make DP what it is today. Those who think it can only be for the Baganda are deceiving themselves,†he said.
Ssemwogerere’s remarks were induced by the local councillors, who, before his arrival, had suggested de-campaigning the party if the leaders did not reform.
Gerald Mukasa, the Busiro south DP chairman, said: “There is lack of discipline and respect among the party leaders. They cannot think beyond Buganda. Very soon, the entire party would find itself in a dilemma.â€
Ssebaana blamed the wrangles on bankruptcy.
“DP is broke. We no longer get any funding from our foreign friends. We always have to mobilise money among ourselves to run the party,†he said.
“We should not expect the party to run normally amidst bankruptcy.â€
Ssebaana also criticised the media for highlighting the party’s conflicts instead of focusing on the positive things.
He also accused the NRM government of weakening opposition parties.
The party’s spokesperson, Betty Nambooze, said the Baganda had a strong stake in the party, adding that they should not be attacked for supporting it.
The president of the Democratic Party (DP), John Ssebaana Kizito, has been criticised over the ongoing strife in the party.
Former party president Dr. Paul Ssemwogerere said the wrangles among DP top officials were undermining the party and expressed doubt that the party would win the 2011 elections.
He was on Sunday addressing party supporters in Busiro South constituency at Joyna Guest House in Wakiso district.
The wrangles escalated last month after the election of Bukoto South MP Mathias Nsubuga as the party’s
secretary general.
Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga, who was acting general secretary, contested the election, accusing Ssebaana, party legal adviser Erias Lukwago and other party officials of foul play.
Non-Baganda officials also rejected the election, saying the leaders had proved allegations that DP was a party for only the Baganda and Catholics.
Ssemwogerere advised the leaders to ensure that the party reclaimed its national identity.
“Muslims, Catholics and members from other religions fought fearlessly to make DP what it is today. Those who think it can only be for the Baganda are deceiving themselves,†he said.
Ssemwogerere’s remarks were induced by the local councillors, who, before his arrival, had suggested de-campaigning the party if the leaders did not reform.
Gerald Mukasa, the Busiro south DP chairman, said: “There is lack of discipline and respect among the party leaders. They cannot think beyond Buganda. Very soon, the entire party would find itself in a dilemma.â€
Ssebaana blamed the wrangles on bankruptcy.
“DP is broke. We no longer get any funding from our foreign friends. We always have to mobilise money among ourselves to run the party,†he said.
“We should not expect the party to run normally amidst bankruptcy.â€
Ssebaana also criticised the media for highlighting the party’s conflicts instead of focusing on the positive things.
He also accused the NRM government of weakening opposition parties.
The party’s spokesperson, Betty Nambooze, said the Baganda had a strong stake in the party, adding that they should not be attacked for supporting it.