Uganda needs reform, reconciliation - Mpuuga
The head of Democratic Alliance, Mr Mathias Mpuuga speaks to journalists at their offices in Mengo on January 3, 2025. Photo | Shabibah Nakirigya.
What you need to know:
- Despite the failure to establish a united front opposition president, Mpuuga emphasised the need for reform, reconciliation, and transition after almost 39 years of National Resistance Movement (NRM) rule
As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition and Head of the Democratic Alliance (DA), is advocating for a peaceful transition of power.
Despite the failure to establish a united front opposition president, Mpuuga emphasised the need for reform, reconciliation, and transition after almost 39 years of National Resistance Movement (NRM) rule. He believes that this transition is crucial for the country's future and that it's time for Uganda to experience its first peaceful transfer of power.
"Our proposal aims at forming a basis for national discussion, debate, and dialogue on the future of Uganda," Mpuuga explained. "We have identified nine focus areas that need urgent intervention and reform.
Key among these areas is the transition of power, which has eluded the country since independence. Mpuuga believes that implementing a peaceful and democratic transfer of power is crucial, stating, "The nation awaits the first peaceful and smooth transfer of power from President Museveni to the next leader, and this is the right time."
Uganda's election record has been marred by a lack of freedom, fairness, and credibility since 1962. Mpuuga noted that the presidential level is insulated against effective competition, rendering elections a mere ritual to legitimize the President and regime in power. He emphasized that electoral reforms are essential to ensuring that the will of the people is respected and that the country can move forward.
He said that other critical areas that require attention include over-centralization, a bloated executive and parliament, civil-military relations, national reconciliation, disunity, sectarianism, and the national economy and foreign policy.
Mr Mpuuga stressed that addressing these issues can only be achieved through collective effort, despite differing political ambitions. He believes that by working together, Ugandans can create a better future for themselves and their country.
The Democratic Alliance has already started preparations for consultations and expects to resume the exercise soon.
“We have already started preparations for consultations and we expect to resume the exercise soon. We need leaders from different categories so that we come up with a final decision to save our country,” he said.
