OPPOSITION BATTLES AMONGST ITSELF, WHILE M7 SHARPENS HIS SWORD FOR 2026
By Aggrey Baba
In the ever evolving theater of Ugandan politics, where the stage is often crowded with seasoned actors and ambitious newcomers, the countdown to the 2026 general elections has sparked a race of activities. The political landscape, already marked by cracks and shifting alliances, is witnessing the birth of new movements, each promising to rewrite the rules of the game. On a televised debate that drew sharp exchanges and bold declarations, key political players unveiled their strategies, exposing the differences within the opposition and the broader challenges of Uganda’s political system.
Michael Mabikke, a political journeyman whose career has spanned multiple parties, emerged as a focal point in the discussion. Once a Democratic Party (DP) stalwart and a member of the DP Bloc, Mabikke’s path has been anything but linear. After defecting from the National Unity Platform (NUP), citing frustration over being denied a party ticket, he now joins forces with Mathias Mpuuga and others to form the Democratic Alliance (DA). “Uganda, with or without President Museveni, needs quality leadership,” Mabikke declared, emphasizing that the DA is not just another party but a civic platform aimed at rethinking governance. “Before we even talk about elections, we need reforms of government, election management, and parliament,” he added, painting the DA as a movement grounded in action and accountability.
Meanwhile, Ingrid Turinawe, a firebrand activist who rose to prominence within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), brought her own narrative of disillusionment and hope. “We started the FDC to challenge monopoly politics, but the cause has been betrayed,” she lamented. Turinawe’s frustrations have birthed a new entity, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). “Parties can be bought, people can be betrayed, but right thinking Ugandans still exist,” she affirmed, presenting the PFF as a fresh start for those disilusioned by Uganda’s political system. Turinawe highlighted the PFF’s unique approach, pledging to build fully functional structures from the national to the village level, something she claims existing parties have failed to yield.
As the debate unfolded, government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo brushed aside the claims of political suppression with characteristic bluntness. “The environment is conducive for anyone to associate and disassociate. The excuses they are giving are scapegoats,” he said, dismissing the new formations as opportunistic ventures.
But Mabikke and Turinawe were unyielding. Both leaders emphasized the need for unity among opposition forces, pledging to work with groups like NUP, FDC, and other progressive movements. “The DA is not here to fight NUP,” Mabikke clarified.
“We will fight all the time, not just during elections.” Turinawe echoed similar sentiments, framing the PFF as a rallying point for Ugandans seeking genuine political change.
As 2026 looms, Uganda’s political chessboard is being reset. With the emergence of the DA, PFF, PPF, and many others, the stakes have never been higher. Whether these new movements can overcome the challenges of division, betrayal, and political suppression to inspire a weary electorate remains the ultimate question. For now, the seeds of hope are being planted, but only time will reveal what kind of harvest lies ahead. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).