Julius Dumba Petitions Democratic Party Leadership Over Flawed Electoral Process, Cites Exclusion and Undemocratic Practices

Julius Dumba, the Chairperson of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) for Kampala District and an aspirant for the position of President General of the Democratic Party (DP), has formally petitioned the party’s top leadership, citing systemic flaws in the ongoing electoral process that he says have rendered his candidacy untenable. In a strongly worded letter dated May 7, 2025, addressed to the Secretary General and copied to key organs of the party, Dumba decried what he termed as the commercialization and manipulation of internal elections.

The petition, which has since stirred significant conversation within party ranks and among political observers, details the reasons behind Dumba’s decision not to submit nomination forms for the party’s top seat, despite initially picking them up with full intent to contest.

Dumba challenged the decision to increase the nomination fee for the President General position from UGX 5 million to UGX 10 million, calling it an unapproved, exclusionary act. He noted that the increase was made without National Executive Committee (NEC) approval, violating Article 9.3 of the 2018 DP Constitution. “The party, which has historically championed inclusivity, is now pricing out youth and grassroots leaders,” he wrote.

The UYD leader cited a conflict of interest in the Secretary General’s dual role as both an election organizer and a candidate. He accused the SG of overseeing party structural elections and National Delegates Conference (NDC) preparations, creating a biased environment that deters fair competition.Dumba further criticized the appointment of the election committee without NEC consultation, arguing it delegitimizes the entire electoral process.

Dumba expressed dismay at the hurried nature of the process, especially the requirement to submit Expressions of Interest within a week—a move he interpreted as a tactic to sideline active mobilizers like himself. He also questioned claims that 80% of NDC delegates were profiled when lower-level elections remained incomplete in key areas such as Kampala.

He likened the Democratic Party’s current internal practices to those of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), warning that the excessive nomination fees and lack of transparency risk transforming DP into a party of the elite. “This undermines our identity as Uganda’s oldest opposition party and alienates the 75% of Uganda’s population who are youth,” Dumba asserted.

The petition also raised concerns about subtle intimidation and exclusion faced by vocal critics of the current leadership. Dumba cited the lack of response to his earlier complaints and the dismissive handling of youth voices, which he believes compromises the integrity of the party.

Dumba emphasized that submitting his nomination would have validated a fundamentally flawed process, thus compromising his principles and long-term vision for a reformed party. “My manifesto—‘Reclaim, Rebuild, Renew’—seeks to restore DP’s independence, empower grassroots voices, and foster transparent leadership. That vision cannot coexist with the current climate of exclusion,” he stated.

In the letter, Dumba issued a list of demands to restore constitutional order and fairness within DP. Among them are:

Suspension and audit of the electoral process by an independent NEC-overseen committee.

Reversal of unapproved nomination fees, with NEC-approved alternatives.

Appointment of an independent election committee, free from conflicts of interest.

Provision of gazetted NDC amendments and public evidence of constitutional compliance.

Transparent payment systems using a single bank account.

Resignation of conflicting office holders pending NEC guidance.

A public apology to members and stakeholders.

An emergency National Council meeting within seven days to address and discuss the issues raised.

Dumba’s petition strikes at the heart of ongoing debates about internal democracy in opposition parties. His decision not to submit his nomination forms is more than a personal protest—it is a call for structural reform and principled leadership in a party that once stood as a symbol of democratic hope in Uganda.

As the 2026 general elections draw closer, the Democratic Party finds itself facing a test of legitimacy from within. Whether or not the leadership responds constructively to this petition could significantly shape the party’s future—and its relevance on Uganda’s political landscape.