KAMPALA.
At least two legislators – Richard Ssebamala ( Bukoto Central MP) and Michael Lulume Bayiga (Buikwe South MP) have joined the race to unseat Democratic Party President Norbert Mao .
The duo has in the past five years been at loggerheads with Mao leadership , accusing him of running down Uganda’s oldest political party .
Also in the race is DP vice president for Northern Uganda, Mr Alia Alitia.
Mr Mao who is seeking a fourth term as party president will know his fate during the party’s National Delegates Conference slated for May 30 in Mbarara City . Other top party positions will also be filled .
While returning nomination forms at the party headquarters in Rubaga ,Kampala on Tuesday yesterday, Mr Mao said he is seeking a fourth term, citing his experience and credentials.
“I have the international exposure, education, I’m an advocate, a family man with children, and a believer in the Holy Roman Catholic Church.
Therefore, character matters as we vote,” he said.
He dismissed criticism that he is to blame for members who have defected to other parties, saying he has never expelled anyone from DP.
“There are people who believe that unless they lead DP, they cannot belong to DP.
I am confident that after the National Delegates Conference (NDC), we shall resolve our internal conflicts. Even if it requires another NDC, we shall call it and decide the way forward,” he said.
DP has in the past five years seen most of its senior members defecting to National Unity platform citing lack of direction by the current party leadership .
Those who have exited the party include; former leader of Opposition in Parliament and also Nyendo –Mukungwe legislator Mathias Mpuuga, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Butambala Country MP, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, Michael Mbwatekamwa ,Entebbe Municipality MP, Medard Ssegoona ,Busiro East MP , John Paul Mpalanyi ,Kyotera County MP and Fortunate Rose Nantongo , Kyotera Woman MP among others .
Mr Alitia, who has served as the party’s vice president for 10 years, said he is confident he can lead the DP to greater heights .
“If elected, I intend to prioritise leadership development and reforms to ensure that every member knows their responsibilities,” he said.
On his part Mr Ssebamala said his candidature marks a turning point for DP and the country, and called for truth and justice.
“We are all equal in DP, from the grassroots to the national level. This party does not support corruption, human rights violations, or unfair elections,” he said