Nyendo–Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga has been unanimously elected as the first president of the newly launched Democratic Front (DF), a rebranded political movement emerging from the long-inactive Green Partisan Party (GPP).
The announcement came during DF’s inaugural national delegates’ conference held Thursday at Laston Gardens in Masaka City.
Over 700 delegates from across Uganda attended the event, which also saw the unopposed ratification of the party’s National Executive Committee.
Mpuuga, who currently serves as a parliamentary commissioner and formerly held the role of Leader of the Opposition, steps into the leadership role following a high-profile split with the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership.
Addressing the delegates, Mpuuga said his focus is not on next year’s General Election, but on laying a solid foundation for meaningful political change.
“I am not here to chase positions in next year’s General Election.This is about building a monument of our existence. We know what to do, and we shall build a strong party that will survive the test of time to lead reforms after the 2026 polls.”,he said.
According to Mpuuga, the Democratic Front aims to reshape Uganda’s political future, with a long-term vision rather than short-term electoral wins.
Supporting Mpuuga in leadership are four vice presidents representing various regions, including Pascal Amuriat for the East and Hajji Abnoor Kyammundu for Buganda a recent defector from the Justice Forum (JEEMA).
Other key appointments include:
- Dr Abed Bwanika (MP, Kimaanya–Kabonera) as party treasurer
- Juliet Kakande (MP, Masaka City Woman) as women’s league leader
- Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, a veteran politician, as national chairperson
- Michael Mabikke, former Makindye East MP, as secretary general
- Moses Kasibante, former Rubaga North MP, as secretary for information and publicity
Michael Mbwatekamwa, MP for Entebbe Municipality and another former NUP member, welcomed the DF as a timely intervention in Uganda’s opposition politics.
“Many Ugandans have given up on the struggle due to internal fights, mistrust, and sabotage. We are here to end that cycle and promote tolerance and unity,” he said.
The creation of DF follows Mpuuga’s fallout with NUP over a controversial Shs500 million “service award” he received as parliamentary commissioner. While NUP accused him of abusing his office and called for his resignation, Mpuuga defended the payment, denying any wrongdoing.
During the Masaka conference, delegates committed to pushing for electoral reforms, advocating for the release of political prisoners including veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and working collaboratively with other opposition forces ahead of the 2026 elections.
The two-day event will wrap up Friday with the official launch of the Democratic Front, cementing its place as Uganda’s newest political party.