By Aggrey Baba
Kimaanya-Kabonera MP Dr. Abed Bwanika has called on fellow legislators Joyce Bagala and Medard Lubega Ssegona to join the Democratic Forum (DF), a newly formed political party he co-leads alongside Nyendo-Mukungwe MP and former LoP Mathias Mpuuga.
In a recent interview, Dr Bwanika noted that both MPs have been instrumental in Uganda’s opposition politics for many years and should now align with a party that reflects their values and past contributions.
The DF which awaits its official unveiling, was formed following internal disagreements with the National Unity Platform (NUP), where all four leaders (Bwanika, Mpuuga, Ssegona and Bagala) were once active.
He cited Bagala’s long-standing role in the opposition, dating back to her days as a journalist with NBS TV, where she often gave coverage to opposition voices.
Prior to entering Parliament in 2021 under the NUP ticket, Bagala had contested for the Mityana Woman MP seat in 2016 on the Democratic Party (DP) ticket and got over 30,000 votes, though she lost to then-incumbent Judith Nabakooba. In 2021, she returned to the race under NUP and won the seat with over 60,000 votes.
Bwanika acknowledged the role NUP played in her electoral success, but emphasized that her political journey did not begin with the party. He noted that Bagala has long been associated with the opposition struggle and has previously worked closely with politicians like himself, Mpuuga and Ssegona through the DP.
On Medard Ssegona, Bwanika highlighted the Busiro East MP’s legal expertise and role in supporting opposition causes, particularly during NUP’s early legal battles. He also pointed to Ssegona’s democratic credentials, having come up through the structures of the DP.
Bwanika said that while he and Mpuuga had expected Bagala and Ssegona to join them in DF following their fallout with NUP, the two instead returned to NUP and picked nomination forms ahead of the 2026 general elections, a move which surprised many who had thought they would shift allegiance.
Despite this, Bwanika maintained that DF remains open to them, saying the party needs experienced and principled leaders like Bagala and Ssegona.
He said the new party aims to restore democratic practice, tolerance, and internal dialogue, values he believes have been lost in NUP.
The Democratic Forum was formed by former DP and NUP members who say they were sidelined by the leadership at Kavule. Though it is yet to be officially launched, it has already positioned itself as an emerging platform for leaders seeking an alternative opposition voice. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
