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The High Court in Mbarara on Tuesday began hearing a case challenging the leadership of Uganda’s Democratic Party (DP), with some members alleging the current executives, led by Nobert Mao, were elected illegally.
The case, before Justice Allan Nshimye, involves party members including Edith Byanyima, Kamya Kasozi, and Julius Dumba, who claim the DP’s delegates’ conference, held in Mbarara City from May 30 to June 2, 2025, was riddled with irregularities.
Through their lawyer, Isaac Ayebazibwe, the applicants sought to restrain the party leadership from performing administrative duties and demanded a new delegates’ conference be organised in line with democratic principles.
The respondents, represented by Kenneth Nsubuga, asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing the application was filed late, some applicants were not DP members, and internal party remedies had not been exhausted as required by the party constitution.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Nshimye adjourned the case to November 8 for judgment.
He urged the disputing members to consider mediation as an alternative.
Outside court, Byanyima criticized the party’s current top brass, led by Nobert Mao, saying DP’s once-respected reputation for integrity and brotherhood was now in jeopardy.
Byanyima added that the leadership’s focus on hotels rather than grassroots mobilization risks losing more members.
Richard Sebamala, MP for Bukoto Central and a former aspirant for DP presidency, expressed confidence in the judicial process.
