By Aggrey Baba
When the house no longer feels like home, it’s time to vacate. This timeless African proverb seems to reflect the current mood within the Democratic Party (DP), as it begins the process of breaking away from its cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
What once appeared to be a strategic political alliance is now under serious reconsideration, with top party leadership initiating steps to part ways and redefine their future.
In a letter dated April 7, 2025, addressed to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao, Democratic Party’s National Vice President, Hon. Dr. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, confirmed that the termination process is officially underway.
This follows the conclusion of a month-long internal assessment period, a timeframe initially proposed by Mao himself during a recent National Executive Committee meeting in Soroti.
Dr. Mbidde acknowledged the successful hosting of the three-day meeting at the May 7 Hotel in Soroti, where party leaders critically examined the state of the cooperation agreement.
According to him, that self-evaluation has served its purpose and now the Democratic Party is ready to embark on what he called “a significant journey.”
Mbidde revealed that preparations to end the alliance have commenced, backed by a strategy to keep party members well-informed and actively engaged. From consultative gatherings to outreach campaigns, the DP is turning its focus to the grassroots, mobilizing both locally and internationally to reset its political bearings.
Expressing gratitude to Hon. Mao for his leadership, determined Mbidde called for his continued support as the party transitions into a new phase. “I am fully committed to ensuring the success of these initiatives,” he stated, “and I look forward to your esteemed guidance.”
In Ugandan politics, alliances are not made of stone, but shaped by circumstances, trust, and time. As the DP takes steps to exit its political marriage with the NRM, many are left wondering what comes next.
Will this move reawaken the party’s independence and influence, or will it open new chapters of uncertainty? [A tree that wants to grow taller must shed some of its old branches]. And the Democratic Party seems ready to do just that. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
