Police have not cleared our delegates meeting - DP

The Democratic Party (DP) yesterday said police have not yet cleared their national delegates conference (NDC) two days to the planned date.
The party is scheduled to hold the three-day conference in Gulu City starting Friday at Sir Samuel Baker Secondary school where they intend to elect their new leaders, including the presidential flag bearer for the 2021 General Election.
The meeting is expected to attract more than 2,800 candidates. Each district is required to send five delegates of which two must be women. 
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Mr Norbert Mao, the party president general , said they had already written to the police on the intended meeting with detailed information as required.
“We submitted our request on time but up to now, they are still asking for more requirements. We want to ensure DP members that we shall have our NDC at whatever cost,” he said.
However, police spokesperson Fred Enanga said the party has to follow up with the director of operations in Gulu if they are to hold such a big meeting.
“DP has always made request for security and it has been provided to them. But having more than 2,000 people in one place at this time means they have to get a place which accommodates 6,000 people ,” he said.
Mr Mao also warned party flag bearers against forming alliances with fellow Opposition candidates.
“DP is no longer a playing ground for politicians. Those who are not comfortable with DP, you are free to join another party before it is too late. Do not block party members from contesting on DP ticket because you have an  alliance with other Opposition members,”  he said.
 Mr Mao added that no one is allowed to conduct primaries for MPs apart from the  party’s national secretariat. 
The office is responsible for sending a   presiding officer to oversee the primaries, not the LC5 chairpersons.
The party also unveiled three NRM  members who defected to DP, saying the violence which transpired during their party primaries forced them to look for a better place.
They include Mr Dan Kasumba Zaake from Nakaseke, Mr Andrew Mutebi  who was contesting on LC5 level in Bukomansimbi and Mr Abraham Luzzi  from Mityana District.
 The party also launched its song titled; DP Egumile which all candidates will use in their campaigns.