Museveni took DP's engine- Mbidde

Because when you look at the opposition right now, it is very clear that the President of Uganda has got at least a limb in each of the political parties. Every political party has got two sections

The national vice president of the Democratic Party (DP) has claimed that President Museveni's influence has penetrated deeply into the party, undermining its traditional values and political goals.

He made the remarks on Thursday while appearing on NBS Television's political show, the Frontline.

In his remarks, Mbidde stated that Museveni has methodically weakened opposition parties, including the DP, making them divided and ineffective to challenge his long-standing rule.

"Because when you look at the opposition right now, it is very clear that the President of Uganda has got at least a limb in each of the political parties. Every political party has got two sections," he said.

"Now, for us (DP) he didn't only pick the limb, he took even the engine," Mbidde added

In 2022, the DP and the ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at promoting constitutionalism, human rights, and a peaceful transition of power.

However, Mbidde stated that this cooperation is non-existent, arguing that Museveni signed the agreement for his own political gain.

"The agreement was for cooperation. The agreement exists, there's no evidence of cooperation. But it achieved its results within his (Museveni) own intents and purposes," Mbidde said.

His comments come amid increasing concerns about the state of opposition politics in Uganda, where President Museveni has been in power since 1986.

Despite the existence of several opposition parties, many critics contend that they face significant challenges, particularly in maintaining a unified front.

The divisions within the opposition were highlighted this month following the death of Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, which resulted in two separate burial ceremonies organized by the National Unity Platform led by Kyagulanyi and another faction led by former Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga.

Mbidde pointed out that the discord during Ssegirinya's funeral exemplifies the inability of the opposition to operate through consensus, a situation he attributed to Museveni's influence.

"The other section is caused by operations of the President of Uganda to the extent that it is very unlikely that an opposition party in Uganda, to begin with; can conduct an activity by way of consensus, not even a burial ceremony. It has to be divided into two for the same body because he (Museveni) has picked a limb in each and every political party," Mbidde said.

Founded in 1961, the Democratic Party has a rich history in Uganda's political scene, but its relevance has diminished in recent years, raising questions about its capacity to effectively challenge the NRM's dominance.

The party's decision to enter into a cooperation agreement with the ruling party has led to skepticism among political figures regarding the DP motives in the political arena.

Recently, Mbidde said that the DP was considering the possibility of terminating the cooperation agreement with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) due to unmet commitments.

Despite the criticism surrounding the agreement, DP president Norbert Mao, who also serves as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, recently urged the critics to exercise patience.

Mao emphasised that he has been in office for only two years and that building a country requires time.

“Those people making noise do not understand what needs to be done. It’s not about who is going to lead, but about building a country,” Mao said.