Democratic Party in Turmoil as Faction Challenges NEC Ahead of Delegates Conference

Kampala, Uganda – A faction of Democratic Party (DP) leaders has petitioned the Electoral Commission, demanding the suspension of the party’s upcoming National Executive Conference slated for 30th [Month]. The group, including Buikwe South MP Dr. Lulume Bayiga, Bukoto South MP Richard Sebamala, and party members Edith Byanyima and Julius Dumba, accuses the current leadership of irregularities in the conference preparations.  

The petitioners, who submitted their grievances to the Electoral Commission’s Public Relations Manager, Paul Bukenya, raised several concerns:  
 Dr. Lulume Bayiga questioned amendments granting the Secretary General powers to handle budgets—a role traditionally reserved for the Treasurer.  
 He also rejected the creation of a "Management Committee", calling it an illegal structure designed to hijack party operations.  
Richard Sebamala, a DP presidential aspirant, accused Mao’s leadership of sidelining 86 districts, selecting only 60 that favor the current administration.  
Julius Dumba, claiming to be the UYD Chairperson, disputed the Secretary General’s claim that 80% of delegates had been verified, arguing many districts haven’t even conducted grassroots elections.  
 Edith Byanyima dismissed the legitimacy of Mbarara City’s exclusion, citing unresolved elections in Kiruhura District.  

DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda dismissed the petition, stating:  
The Electoral Commission has no mandate to interfere in internal party affairs.  
He discredited Byanyima’s loyalty, questioning her commitment despite her claims of coming from a "DP family."  
He accused Dr. Lulume of spreading unsubstantiated claims about the party fielding NRM members in past DP conferences.  

With just days remaining before the Delegates Conference, tensions within DP have escalated, raising concerns of possible disruptions or violence if the grievances are not addressed.  

The Electoral Commission is yet to respond to the petition, while DP leadership insists the conference will proceed as planned. Observers warn that failure to resolve the dispute could deepen divisions in Uganda’s oldest opposition party.  

Will the DP conference proceed smoothly, or will the infighting derail the process? (Follow salt media Uganda for updates.)