By Aggrey Baba
A house built on deception cannot stand for long. Just a day after the Democratic Alliance (DA) unveiled its coordinators in a bid to expand its influence across the country, controversy has erupted over the inclusion of National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders who claim they were never consulted.
The storm of denials, led by Butaleja District NUP coordinator Moses Lyada, has cast doubt on the credibility of DA’s recruitment process and the integrity of its leadership.
Lyada, a staunch member of NUP, a former MP candidate for Bunyole West and a well-known People Power activist, has publicly distanced himself from DA, insisting that his name was added to the list without his consent. “I respect Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga as an elder and senior politician, but I have never considered joining him. I am happy where I am. My vision aligns only with NUP, and I have never dreamed of crossing to any other party,” Lyada told this publication.
His concerns go beyond personal reputation, he revealed that many other NUP members were also falsely listed as DA coordinators. “This is not just about me. Many of my colleagues have been included in this so-called coordination team without their knowledge. I wonder what the motive behind this could be. If someone believes in their political strength, why include people who have never expressed interest?” Lyada questioned.
Lyada says he was surprised when he received a call from a DA member on Sunday, whose name he chose not to disclose, requesting a meeting with him Monday. It was during this conversation that he first learned of his unauthorized appointment as a DA coordinator. Upon checking the list, he was further shocked to find that his name had even been misspelled as ‘Lyanda’ instead of ‘Lyada’
The uproar is particularly significant given the strained relations between Mpuuga and NUP, which recently expelled him over allegations of corruption.
With this history, seeing NUP-affiliated names on DA’s list has raised concerns of betrayal among opposition supporters. Many are now wondering whether DA is a genuine political force or merely a project built on misinformation.
Critics argue that this scandal threatens the very foundation of the Democratic Alliance. “How does a new political formation expect to survive when its first major announcement is already shrouded in controversy?” one political analyst remarked. “A party that begins with lies will struggle to earn public trust.”
As the backlash grows, the DA leadership is yet to provide a clear explanation. Meanwhile, the affected NUP leaders continue to distance themselves, leaving many questioning the credibility of the Alliance and the direction it seeks to take.
One thing is certain, that this new political force has started on shaky ground, and whether it can withstand the storm remains to be seen. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
