DP starts nomination process to identify 2026 election candidates

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The Democratic Party (DP) has begun the nomination process to identify candidates interested in contesting various elective positions in the 2026 general elections across the country.

This development marks a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2026 elections, following internal tensions triggered by the controversial outcomes of the delegates' conference held at Asamar Country Resort in Mbarara, which re-elected justice and constitutional affairs minister Nobert Mao as party president general for a fourth term.

Mao’s re-election caused divisions within the party, with a faction led by Bukoto South MP Richard Sebamala and Buikwe South MP Michael Bayigga Lulume threatening to break away from the 71-year-old political organisation.

DP secretary general Gerald Siranda confirmed to New Vision on Thursday, July 3, that since the Mbarara delegates' conference, the party has worked diligently to rebuild its structures and prepare a robust electoral strategy.

“The party has started the nomination process to identify and endorse candidates who will effectively represent its ideals and values in the 2026 elections,” Siranda said.

He added: “The nomination process will enable the DP to select candidates who possess the necessary qualities, skills, and experience to contest and win elections. The party will consider integrity, leadership qualities, political knowledge, and electability.”

Siranda stressed that by fielding strong candidates, the party can improve its chances of winning seats and shaping the country’s future, noting that the nomination process is also key to influencing the party’s overall strategy and messaging ahead of the elections.

He further stated that by identifying and endorsing new talent, the DP hopes to revitalise its structures and appeal to a younger generation of voters.

“Those who change their names for public identity reasons must submit their nomination forms with signed declarations and a deed poll from licensed advocates to avoid disqualification under Electoral Commission guidelines,” he noted.

DP MPs given ticket competition waivers

In a move aimed at healing internal rifts, the DP has resolved to grant automatic party tickets to six incumbent Members of Parliament, waiving the need for them to undergo competitive nomination.

According to Siranda, this approach is intended to ensure that the party presents its strongest candidates in the 2026 general elections.

“Among those include Mukono South MP Fred Kayondo, Buikwe South MP Lulume Bayigga, Mityana South MP Richard Lumu Kizito, Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala, Nwoya East County legislator Geoffrey Charles Okello, and DP vice president for northern Uganda Peter Okot,” Siranda disclosed.

He added that these senior MPs will support new candidates during the campaign period and help them win parliamentary seats to strengthen the party.

Siranda emphasised that the waiver was granted in recognition of the MPs’ loyalty, integrity, and consistent service to the party.

He further revealed that the party is inviting former members and supporters to return and support DP’s mission of engaging both the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and other opposition parties.

Sebamala was previously disqualified from contesting for the party presidency after allegedly failing to meet the constitutional requirement of 10 years of active party membership.

He, however, dismissed the claim as a deliberate move by the party leadership to block his candidacy.

Meanwhile, Bayiga raised questions about the party’s financial health, citing DP’s reliance on funds from the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni under what he described as “unclear terms of cooperation.”

“I emphasise the need for DP to return to its foundational principles and adapt to contemporary political realities,” Bayiga said.