The faction of the Democratic Party (DP) purportedly led by Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga, the Member of Parliament representing Buikwe South, has unveiled an initiative to mobilize its members, known as the UYD Alumni, in an effort to rejuvenate their political party.
During a press conference held in Kampala on a Wednesday, Dr. Lulume articulated their primary objective: to revitalize the party and guide Ugandans towards a state of peace and unity that is fervently desired by many.
Their ambition extends to uniting various stakeholders within the young democrats’ spectrum, including members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Truth and Justice (TJ), Peoples Development Party (PDP), Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), as well as DP members who do not align with Party President Norbert Mao’s agreement with the NRM. They also aim to engage DP elders who are advocating for change.
Dr. Lulume has been deeply involved in the internal dynamics of Uganda’s oldest political party, particularly in his ongoing conflict with the current party president, Norbert Mao, who also holds the position of Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Notably, Norbert Mao celebrated his one-year anniversary in Gulu since signing a cooperative agreement with President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). It’s important to emphasize that this agreement did not imply Mao’s defection to the NRM, but rather an accord on specific issues of mutual concern.
In the past, the political differences between Mao and Lulume were mediated by the late DP stalwart, Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere. However, with Ssemogerere’s passing, it appears that no one has taken up the role of mediator in the ongoing dispute between Mao and Lulume.
