DA’s Masterplan Revolves Around Uniting Uganda Beyond Party Lines-Mpuuga

On December 19, 2024, Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, Mathias Mpuuga, appeared on the #NTVOnTheSpot show hosted by the prominent Patrick Kamara to discuss the Democratic Alliance (DA), its objectives, and the significance of opposition coalitions.

While on the show, the DA national coordinator Mpuuga emphasized the importance of civic space, advocating for an inclusive environment where citizens can freely engage or disengage on matters of governance and national issues.

“Over time, we have been advocating for civic space that fosters an inclusive environment where citizens can freely engage or choose to disengage on matters of governance and national issues,” Mpuuga stated when he was asked about why starting a new political platform in existence of others.

At its core, the DA is a civic platform designed to engage citizens, political actors, and non-political actors on governance matters. Therefore, Mpuuga stressed that the DA aims to address the void in Uganda’s political landscape.

“The DA is simply a civic platform that we would like to utilize to engage the citizenry and both political and non-political actors on matters relating to governance. We needed to address the void,” the Parliamentary Commissioner explained.

Mpuuga dismissed rumors that in promoting transitional dialogue/talks, he seeks to work with President Museveni, stating that they are not of the same political DNA. However, he emphasized the need to engage with the ruling NRM as an institution, given its 40-year presence in Uganda.

“I want engagement with the NRM as an entity with a stake in this country. You should speak to their fears, their concerns, and probably offer them hope and promise. We need to engage the NRM but also the citizens,” Mpuuga said.

Mpuuga asserted that the DA’s primary focus is on engaging with the NRM and citizens to promote a peaceful transition.

“Love or hate them, the NRM is around, so we must engage with them. There are some actors in the NRM who are worried about the future. The whole idea of engaging is to tone down the possibility of regime collapse,” Mpuuga explained.

He added, “I am speaking about Uganda, and for me, Uganda is bigger than anything else. If the mirror I hold reflects, Uganda, and you only see NUP in that mirror, that is a huge mistake.”

Mpuuga believes that transitional talks cannot occur without involving the NRM, as its cadres, including Museveni, have used the 40-year rule and entrenchment to commit massive atrocities, and good, and therefore, worried about their future and safety outside power.

“The armed NRM and the civic NRM in power for 40 years will go. The issue is, must we, as political actors, allow them to collapse this nation?” Mpuuga questioned.

The DA’s primary objective is to foster a culture of civic engagement and inclusivity. Mpuuga thus encouraged citizens to look beyond party affiliations and engage in issues-based discussions as opposed to personalities.

“I want you to understand that I am not trying to compete with anyone but rather trying to get everyone to see the bigger picture. Once the bigger picture is understood without contradiction, everyone will have the space to express their ideas in a free marketplace,” Mpuuga remarked.

Mpuuga said that he respects individuals with alternative views but has no tolerance for those who base their opinions on personal attacks rather than substantive issues.

“I respect people who hold an alternative view to mine, but I have no respect for those who base their opinions on a personal view of me rather than an issues-based perspective. If there is anybody who wants to compare my person to theirs and wants to impeach my character as compared to them, bring them on the show,” Mpuuga challenged his detractors.

He declined an invitation to debate his disagreement with NUP’s Robert Kyagulanyi, stating that disagreements are inevitable, but they should not be blown out of proportion.

“This conversation should not be reduced to what Kyagulanyi knows and what I know. That is how nations have been misled by individuals wanting to occupy every space. I am talking about institutional conversations, not personal ones,” Mpuuga said.

He clarified, “I am here to speak about the possibilities, and if you want me to talk about NUP, then there should be a person from NUP here with me. I have disagreed with many people; therefore, a disagreement with Hon Kyagulanyi is not a national crisis.”

Mpuuga warned that the NRM’s 40-year rule will eventually end, but it is crucial to ensure that the transition does not lead to chaos.

“Before we speak about the next election, can we compel a nationwide, stakeholder-wide conversation about the problems we’ve encountered, particularly the issue of impunity and gun violence that visits us every time we have an electoral cycle?” Mpuuga proposed.

When asked about General Muhoozi’s tweet suggesting that he is presidential material, he brushed it off as mischief.

“When Gen. Muhoozi tweets that I am presidential material, it does not move me. I think he is just up to some mischief, and I do not want to give that attention,” Mpuuga said.

The DA’s approach is centered on institutional conversations rather than personal ones. Mpuuga believes that this is essential to avoid being misled by individuals seeking to occupy every space.