The making of Mpuuga’s Democratic Alliance and plans to take on Museveni for Presidency

Kampala, (UG):- Nyendo-Mukungwe Member of Parliament and former Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Hon Mathias Mpuuga Friday launched the Democratic Alliance, a new political formation aimed at uniting political change-seeking forces to challenge President Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule.

The Democratic Alliance according to Mr Mpuuga is also geared towards filling the void created by his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP) which he says is in a “deep slumber.”

“The leading opposition party [in Uganda] is in a deep slumber. How can that happen? For the very first time, there’s nothing going on. The last time I checked, the leader of that group (Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine) was planning a big concert. That’s the plan. The plan is lack of a plan. I want to believe that it’s deliberate,” Mr Mpuuga said while addressing members and supporters of the DP Bloc at Malibu Gardens in Namirembe – Bakuli, Kampala on Friday.

The suspended Deputy NUP President for Buganda Region emphasized that the Democratic Alliance holds a bold vision crafted around creating unity, electoral reforms, and the pursuit of democratic governance.

“This Uganda that was formed 63 years ago has not achieved the democracy we desire,” he stressed, highlighting the need for comprehensive electoral reforms and a fresh approach to politics, particularly for the youth.

Mr Mpuuga pledged that the D.A. 63 would transform into a political party in the coming months, with plans to field candidates, including a presidential aspirant, in the next elections.

“Today we’re here to announce the birth of the Democratic Alliance. Our first objective is to help Ugandans achieve the long-awaited political leadership change. The present opposition has been consumed by divisive politics rather than focusing on what matters most – real transformation for Ugandans. That will not be the case with the Democratic Alliance,” he noted.

The former DP and Go Forward ally urged youth to channel their energies toward productive ventures rather than engaging in social media misuse and attacking each other. “Social media should be a tool for growth and positive influence, not a platform for insults and hate,” he said.

At the same function, Mpuuga unveiled controversial musician, Mr Patrick Mulwana, aka Alien Skin who was recently granted bail on charges of assault and theft of an iPhone 15 pro as his brand artiste after the two signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together in the coming general elections.

Dr Abed Bwanika, the MP for Kimanya-Kabonera (NUP), stood in solidarity with Mpuuga while launching a scathing critique of Robert Kyagulanyi and the National Unity Platform (NUP) accusing the former of monopolizing power, disrespecting the Buganda Kingdom, and tolerating controversial global policies, including LGBTQ advocacy.

“I will not support gay people or homosexuality. I don’t care whether you re-elect me as MP or not but I’ll never support Kyagulanyi’s group or homosexuality… NUP didn’t bring me into the struggle [to liberate Ugandans]. Mr Kyagulanyi found me in the struggle. I will be in the struggle until I get what I think will help Ugandans,” Mr Bwanika, a member of NUP said.

“People must desist from petty politics. I will remain in the struggle until we achieve meaningful transformation,” Bwanika, a former presidential contender under the People’s Development Party, added.

Other speakers included political activists like Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, Michael Mabike, ex-Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante, who, like Mpuuga and Bwanika used the platform to slam NUP leadership.

The proponents of DA said its launch sparked hope among Ugandans seeking credible alternatives to the current political framework.

But former Leader of the Opposition, Prof. Ogenga Latigo, criticized Mpuuga’s move to form the Alliance, describing it as an attempt to salvage his reputation. “Unless he wants to be president of Masaka, Mpuuga is corrupt. He should admit his mistakes, go back to NUP, and apologize,” Latigo said in a recent interview with local media.

And as Uganda approaches its next electoral cycle, the emergence of Mpuuga’s Democratic Alliance signals a new chapter in the opposition’s struggle to challenge the status quo. Whether this coalition can overcome internal divisions and rally Ugandans remains to be seen.