DF Holds Successful Presidential Caravan For 24 Candidates In North, Teso, Buganda

The Democratic Front (DF) Leadership commenced an energetic five-day national presidential caravan that traversed essential regions in Uganda, emphasizing a message of reform and unity in anticipation of the forthcoming elections.

Initiated on December 4, 2025, the caravan journeyed through Northern Uganda, the Teso sub-region, and Buganda, stopping in districts such as Omoro, Gulu, Agago, Pader, Moyo, Otuke, Oyam, Dokolo, Apac, Alebtong, Ngora, Serere, Soroti City, and Mukono.

The tour culminated on December 8, 2025, sparking a surge of support for the party’s candidates while advocating for a bolder vision for the nation.

Leading the caravan was Mathias Mpuuga, the party president, who explained the reasoning behind the DF’s choice not to present a presidential candidate in the upcoming 2026 elections. He asserted that the party’s decision was a tactical move to highlight the pressing need for constitutional reforms that would enable significant electoral changes in Uganda.

Mpuuga emphasized the significance of voting for a candidate who is dedicated to crucial reforms, such as reinstating presidential term limits and ensuring fair distribution of national assets.

“In this election, we do not have a presidential candidate, and people have been asking me as the president of DF, ‘Who is your candidate?’ I am here to address this, as I mentioned at the headquarters. In next year’s election, DF has no candidate because we have no agreement with any candidate, but Ugandans who desire change should vote for that candidate who will accept reforms to provide Uganda with a new Constitution to restore term limits, to implement power-sharing in the Constitution, and to ensure fair allocation of national resources,” Mpuuga stated.

“A president who will agree to reduce the size of parliament. The current parliamentary size is excessively large; some MPs struggle for speaking time, and the funds intended for infrastructure development in Parliament are squandered by individuals who cannot effect any change. That president who will choose to accept reforms, who will support a transition from one president to another. For the past 40 years in Uganda, we conduct elections, but typically, the outgoing leader is always the incoming one! This has become a ritual. We do not wish to partake in rituals. The era of rituals concludes with these elections; we want reforms to facilitate the change of the president, to replace other leaders, and it is very straightforward.”

He further elaborated, “The constitution is ineffective and lifeless. We seek a constitution that permits the equitable sharing of national resources. The DF is headed to Parliament to propose constitutional amendments that will allow the distribution of resources through regions so that a town council can have funds for development; that is the DF’s mission, and over the next five years, we will advocate for a new constitutional order in this nation, and I am appealing for your support.”

Accompanied by prominent party members including national Chairman Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, national treasurer Dr. Abed Bwanika, deputy presidents Kevin Anena Okumu (northern), and Pascal Amuriat (Eastern), secretary for Environment Adelaide Nakitende, and deputy women’s leader Happy Nasasira, Mpuuga exhibited a unified front. These leaders campaigned vigorously for 24 parliamentary candidates alongside various local government representatives in the three regions, demonstrating the party’s dedication to fostering new leadership.

Throughout the caravan, Mpuuga connected profoundly with the voters who turned out in large numbers, urging them to recognize their necessity for strong voices in Parliament and local government positions that can tackle urgent local and national issues.

He expressed disbelief at how Serere, once a symbol of representation, had diminished and called for the restoration of this lost dignity by selecting capable leaders like Candidate Ebiau Peter Carlos, who was endorsed in Kasilo County.

Mpuuga reinforced the importance of competency in leadership, sharing insights from his own political journey. He pointed to Masaka city as an example, where voters prioritize capability over financial influence, encouraging residents in the North, Teso, and Buganda to align with the DF to restore their dignity and facilitate development in their communities.

He stressed that the DF, established only five months ago, is determined to secure a substantial parliamentary presence with an ambitious agenda aimed at initiating a transformative dialogue on national resource distribution. Mpuuga pointed out the inequity in resource allocation, asserting that Teso and northern areas of the country are not impoverished but rather suffering from mismanagement and inadequate planning by their leaders.

The caravan’s message was further enhanced by Mpuuga’s poignant observations regarding the urgent necessity for constitutional reform. He expressed a shared frustration over current electoral customs, where outgoing leaders frequently maintain their positions, underscoring that the moment for change is now. He assured voters that a robust constitution can only be achieved through their unified voice in Parliament.

Speaking with passion, Mpuuga called for a collective effort to secure representation that can effectively advocate for the needs of constituents. He also criticized the current government’s neglect, insisting that after 40 years in power, the electorate deserves improved governance and services.

“My return journey to Kampala will be filled with optimism, knowing that the people of Teso and the North are awakening to the potential of a brighter future united under the DF’s vision,” Mpuuga concluded.

In his interactions, Mpuuga outlined the qualifications of various DF candidates across the regions, specifically naming and campaigning for contenders in Northern Uganda, including Samuel Odong for Oyam South, Dr. Benard Cankara for Kilak South, Richard Omara for Otuke, Owio Lucy Otim for Pader County, Aciro Lucy Otim for Pader county, Onencan Johnathan for Chwa East, and Olanya Ramto Seraphine for Tochi county.

Other candidates in the northern region are; Kenneth Okot for Agago North, Adong Sofia for Agago county, Okello Samuel George for Laro Pece, Atim Jennifer Ogaba for Nwoya county, Olang Patrick for Moroto, Kibwota George for Aruu North, Okello Alfred for Dokolo North, Otala Ruth for Dokolo county, and Droma Rashid for Lower East, Madi Okolo.

In the Teso sub-region, the campaign aimed at uplifting the seven (7) candidates of the party including Abeja Christine for Ngora District Woman MP, Joseph Otala for Serere County, Pascal Amuriat for Soroti City East, Lillian Taaka for Busia, Julius Ichoto for Kapir County, Ebiau Peter Carlos for Kasilo, and Agnes Abulo for Serere district woman MP seat.

In Nakifuma county Mukono district in Buganda, the caravan targeted incumbent MP Ssimbwa Fred Kaggwa, who is seeking re-election.

The caravan’s impact was tangible as communities gathered, eager to share their aspirations with Mpuuga and his team. Through this extensive outreach, the DF showcased its commitment to listening to the electorate and addressing their concerns, thereby nurturing hope for genuine change as the elections approach.