Mpuuga Warns Opposition Against Participating In 2026 Elections Without Reforms, Unity

Mathias Mpuuga, the coordinator of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has sounded a warning to political actors preparing for the 2026 elections without pushing for meaningful electoral, constitutional reforms, and a common political platform.

Speaking to DA leaders from Kampala and Wakiso at the civic platform’s headquarters in Namirembe on February 26, 2025, Mpuuga emphasized that participating in the elections without reforms would be akin to legitimizing the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) election fraud.

Mpuuga reiterated that the DA’s primary agenda is to unite the opposition and push for a common agenda of changing the electoral process to ensure a seemingly democratic process.

The Nyendo-Mukungwe MP then declared that their agenda is “to ensure that we agitate for the minimum electoral and constitutional reforms because we contend that should the next election be conducted without any meaningful reforms in the manner in which elections are organized, will be a stillbirth.”

The Parliamentary Commissioner added, “we [at DA] still believe that it is not late to push for a minimum agenda on reforms in the form of electoral and constitutional. That is our number one agenda.”

Mpuuga then emphasized their other agenda, underscoring the importance of cultivating a common electoral platform for all change-seeking forces. He noted that achieving this would “minimize avoidable and petty competition”, allowing the opposition to present a united front against the NRM.

He thus urged all DA leaders to work together to promote the values and mission of the DA, stressing that the country needs a political space with the right politicians and leaders.

When asked about those preparing for the 2026 elections without reforms, Mpuuga said, “They have every right to that, but we have the best of experience to tell them that you will come out frustrated unless their interest is ritualistic, but not meant to cause the kind of change that we think should be made.”

The DA coordinator noted that some opposition leaders, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, are promoting a “protest vote” rhetoric without advocating for reforms to remove the legal barriers that enable the NRM to cling to power.

Mpuuga argued that this approach is misguided, emphasizing that the opposition should demand reforms, commitment, fair play, and a level playing field.

Despite having no backing of any party organ, the NUP party leader recently announced, he would participate in a “protest vote”, but he is very thin on explaining what sort of protest can happen with a choice to participate yet hell-bent on silencing any voice on well-meaning electoral, and constitutional reforms.

Bobi’s latest announcement contradicts his 2022 declaration in which the NUP leader indicated that he would not run again for presidency, if the electoral process is not changed to ensure free and fair elections, saying anyone who would present himself for such an election would be both “a fool of the century, and hoodwinking Ugandans yet he is a self-seeker.”

Mpuuga warned that the opposition should be prepared for abuse and intimidation from the NRM, citing the lack of commitment to fair play and level ground.

He emphasized, “This is why we [in DA] thought that the opposition should be smart enough to demand reforms at the bare minimum, demand for commitment, fair play, and level ground. Without such, I doubt anybody will have a fair shot at the competition.”

In a passionate declaration, Mpuuga stated, “I hate being an escort to anyone. I want to play a consequential role in politics. I may not win, but I want my involvement to be consequential.” This statement underscores his commitment to pushing for meaningful reforms and a united opposition front.