A group of Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), the youth wing of the Democratic Party (DP), have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Electoral Commission (EC), demanding a formal response to their petition challenging the legitimacy of the party’s recent Delegates Conference held in Mbarara, the Western part of the country.
Speaking at a press briefing, the group accused the EC of turning a blind eye to what they called widespread fraud, procedural irregularities, and constitutional violations that marred the June gathering.
Micheal Mpunge, UYD President, accused the current DP leadership of exploiting aspiring candidates by collecting nomination fees for a selection process he claims lacks legal foundation.
He questioned the commission’s ability to deliver a credible national election in 2026, warning that failure to ensure independence and transparency in internal party affairs could undermine wider democratic processes.
Ismael Kiirya, former UYD president, said that DP members had previously petitioned the EC to halt the gazetting of recent constitutional amendments, which they claim were neither discussed nor approved at the party’s last Delegates Conference in Gulu.
He argued that proceeding with the Mbarara event under those changes contravened Article 15 Section 3(b) of the Political Parties and Organisations Act.
“Despite several formal petitions, the Electoral Commission remained silent and allowed a Delegates Conference to go ahead under illegitimate rules,” Kiirya said, adding that the outcome has fueled a leadership crisis within the party.
Julius Ddumba, UYD Kampala Chairperson, joined the call, urging the EC to uphold its constitutional duty to act impartially and protect democratic principles.
The UYD has warned that if the EC fails to respond within the seven-day window, they will be forced to take unspecified action, holding the Commission accountable for any resulting consequences.
