History was written on June 27, 2025, after the leaders of the Democratic Front (DF), led by its founding President Mathias Mpuuga, launched the party amid cheers and chants from over 20,000 jubilant supporters who filled the spacious Laston Gardens in Masaka City.
On the occasion, the DF leader launched its digital communication platforms, including the website and social media handles. He also launched the party cards, whose prices will vary from Shs2,000 to Shs1M.
Speech
In his relatively short speech, which he began by appreciating the mammoth crowd that graced the party launch, Mpuuga emphasized that Uganda is a divided country with people who need a renewed hope, thus pledging DF’s intentions to cause unity among the people, through restoration of the politics of harmony and dialogue.
“This country is a divided Country. This country is a suffering nation. This country requires restoration. Our people need renewed hope,” Mpuuga said.
He affirmed, “You cannot say they belong to me, the others do not belong to me. You cannot fight those who disagree with you. We shall meet, and we shall talk to even our enemies for the sake of this land.”
Although they declared an open and orchestrated war against him, Mpuuga said he was ready to sit down and dialogue with the leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for the common good.
“We have no problem sitting with NUP to look for common sense and purpose because nobody there owns this country. We are ready to be humble, but serious in our humility for the common good and purpose. We will do that as DF,” Mpuuga said while DF supporters were cheering him on.
Rescuing Political Prisoners
In his remarks, Mpuuga declared that rescuing political prisoners, many of them NUP supporters detained during and after the 2021 general elections, and the incarcerated PFF founder and veteran politician Rtd Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye, would be the first priority of his new leadership at the DF.
“[When I was LoP] my team and I made several attempts to rescue our sons who are rotting in prison, but every time we tried, we were met with resistance [from NUP],” Mpuuga said, wondering which type of commander that could abandon his troops to the enemy for years owing to sheer arrogance yet the arch rivals in Israel and Iran could dialogue on prisoners’ exchange.
On this particular pledge, the DF leader was responding to voices of frustration from the relatives of detained NUP supporters over what they perceive as a lack of satisfactory support intended at rescuing their dear ones from the prisons where they have been for more than four years now.
Many detainees are being held on charges ranging from unlawful assembly to terrorism, with some languishing in jail without trial.
DF Secretary General Speaks
Michael Mabikke, the DF Secretary General, said the party would not engage in political lamentation but offer “pragmatic, courageous, and people-centered leadership.”
“We are different from the political players you’ve known,” Mabikke said. “Our mission is to build coalitions, restore trust in politics, and deliver justice to those who have been ignored,” he added.
Delegates Praise Mpuuga
Delegates from across the country hailed Mpuuga’s leadership credentials and expressed readiness to support DF’s expansion nationwide.
Enock Mugabe, a delegate from Kyenjojo, said Mpuuga’s tenure as Masaka City MP and former Leader of Opposition showed he was capable of national leadership.
“Just look at how Masaka has developed under Mpuuga’s leadership. If we entrust him with the presidency, I am confident he can serve the entire country even better,” Mugabe said.
With the Democratic Front now formally unveiled, the party’s leadership says it is prepared to offer Ugandans a new political model grounded in justice, dignity, and service to the nation.
