What Kind of Democratic Party Does Uganda Deserve?.

Opinion Written by Alitia Elia, Presidential Aspirant – Democratic Party (DP).

21-5-2025.

I have wrestled with this question more times than I can count: What kind of Democratic Party does Uganda deserve?

Because the truth is, Uganda does not just need another party. Uganda needs restoration. Not the restoration promised in slogans, but the kind that begins with institutions regaining their soul. And none is more in need of that restoration than the Democratic Party itself.

We, the DP were once the moral compass of this nation. Founded on values, built by men who envisioned a republic governed by law, justice, and shared destiny. 

Our founders did not speak in anger. They reasoned with clarity. They did not mobilize through fear; they organized through conviction.

But if we are being sincere, and I believe leadership begins with brutal honesty; somewhere along the way, we became shadows of that great tradition. 

We became too quiet when the country needed us to speak. Too divided when unity was needed. Too comfortable in old songs while the nation was moving into chaos.

I am not seeking the DP presidency to wear a badge of honor. I am seeking it to rebuild this party into a force that is once again rooted in principle, courage, and public purpose.

Because Uganda today is not just suffering from bad leadership. It is suffering from a famine of credible alternatives.

Look around. Parliament has become transactional. Opposition has become reactionary. Civil spaces are shrinking. Courts are being militarized. Every institution that was supposed to hold the centre has been bent to serve the ambitions of a few. The people no longer expect justice. They expect to survive.

In this climate, a revived DP is urgent. A Party of that teaches civics, not just for campaigns. That produces leaders who know policy, not just politics. That builds internal democracy, before preaching it to the nation.

I want to lead a Democratic Party that dares to be different.

A party that understands that leadership is not about who speaks loudest, but who listens longest. That democracy is not about elections every five years, but dignity every day. That power is not a prize to be won, but a burden to be carried with humility.

My friends, Uganda is not without hope. But hope is not passive. It must be organized.

We do not need a DP that mourns its past glories. We need one that births a new era.

An era where politics is not about patronage, but purpose.

Where opposition is not an identity, but a responsibility. Where leadership is not survival, but sacrifice.

This is the kind of Democratic Party I am committing to rebuild. This is the vision I offer. Not just for our members, but for the country.

Because Uganda deserves better. And DP, under principled leadership, can be better.

Alitia Elia