As cracks deepen within the Democratic Party (DP), senior member Benedicto Kiwanuka Galiko has lashed out at the party’s top leadership, blaming internal mismanagement and an uneasy alliance with the ruling NRM for a sharp decline in candidates seeking the DP flag ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Benedicto Kiwanuka Galiko, a senior figure in the Democratic Party, has publicly criticized the party’s top leadership for what he described as a “complete hijacking” of internal democratic processes, blaming it for the mass exodus of members and the alarming low turnout of aspiring candidates ahead of the 2026 elections.
Speaking after recent complaints from party leaders about the dwindling number of aspirants, Galiko attributed the disinterest to DP’s perceived complicity with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), saying, “Many members are defecting to other parties because they no longer see a difference between DP and the NRM.”
According to Galiko, the party’s failure to hold proper National Executive Committee (NEC) elections in Gulu and Mbarara in violation of Article 69 of the DP Constitution has further alienated loyal members. “Power to nominate candidates has always been entrusted to district leadership, especially for councilors, mayors, and LC5 chairpersons. But the current leadership wants all nominations centralized at the party headquarters it’s a complete betrayal of our democratic principles.”
He also vowed to collaborate with other stakeholders to legally challenge what he sees as unconstitutional practices and restore the DP’s legitimacy. “We are ready to go to court to return the party to the people, where it truly belongs,” he said.
Earlier this month, DP Electoral Commission Chairperson Kennedy Mutenyo announced a deadline extension for flag aspirants due to low interest. As of July 6, only 36 individuals had expressed intent to run for Member of Parliament on a DP ticket a number shockingly low compared to previous election cycles.
The crisis is further underscored by the recent departure of several influential DP legislators. Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga (Buikwe South) joined the People’s Front for Freedom, while Fortunate Rose Nantongo (Kyotera Woman MP), John Paul Mpalanyi (Kyotera County MP), and Lutamaguzi Ssemakula (Nakaseke South MP) all crossed over to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
With faith in the leadership eroding and the grassroots demoralized, the Democratic Party now stands at a crossroads one that may determine whether it revives its historical legacy or fades into political obscurity.
