Gulu City was alive with hope and anticipation on August 29, 2025, as the Democratic Front (DF) officially opened its coordination office, starting a considerable step for the greater North region still healing from the scars of the decades-long Joseph Kony conflict.
The event was graced by the DF president Mathias Mpuuga, who warmly introduced their new Deputy President for Northern Uganda, Kevin Anena.
With the presence of party officials including Pascal Amuriat (Deputy President Eastern), Michael Mabikke (Secretary General), and Samuel Lubega Mukaaku(National Chairman), the party’s Electoral Commission headed by Henry Lubowa, and joined by party supporters in the North led by former Aruu North MP Lucy Aciro, Kevin Anena among others, the atmosphere was charged with cheerfulness.
“I am excited being here. I will be very brief because it has been a long day, and all of us have been working for this to be such a success it has been and it will be going down the annals of history that on 29th of August 2025, the DF broke ground, and gave this region a new bearing in politics,” Mpuuga proclaimed to the gathering, who awaited the announcement eagerly.
He acknowledged the historical importance of the day, stating, “This is not because of me; it is because of the determination, and sacrifice of the people of this region in Acholi, in Lango, and West Nile. Thank you so much for this sacrifice.”
The jovial Mpuuga attributed the party’s accomplishments in the shortest time of its existance to the relentless determination of the people, and offered a heartfelt connect to the locals.
“Early in the morning, we visited the cultural institution, and we were received warmly by the deputy prime minister, and the gods of Acholi embraced us, that is why it rained in the afternoon,” he said.
Adding a personal touch, he reflected on the rain, stating, “Where I come from [Buganda], rain is a sign of blessings, and I am sure that even here in Acholi, it is a blessing.”
The DF president expressed his delight in introducing Anena to the crowd, presenting her as “an incredible lady” whose sense of duty is unmatched.
“We have been consulting in this sub-region, and all signs, all people, even the gods said it is either Anena, [or none], and she accepted,” he stated, stressing her commitment to the party despite temptations from other political factions.
In his closing remarks, Mpuuga confidently reassured party supporters of their potential success in upcoming elections;
“We are very blessed as a young party. We are barely a party of three, and a half months, but we are a party of four MPs in Parliament.”
He underlined the quality of nominees from the greater North especially that of Lucy Aciro, whom he expressed his strong support for, stating, “we are going to work with her as a party, and we shall support her because she must be in the 12th Parliament. She is a formidable woman, and you know her potential; the country, and the people of Padel cannot miss you.”
Deputy President Anena Speaks
Stepping into the spotlight, Kevin Anena inspired the audience with her profound insight.
“We are [Ugandans] having a disaster in leadership. The Democratic Front came at the right time when everyone was frustrated in the political arena. It might be a child but it is a brilliant child,” she said, emphasizing the party’s potential to reshape the political landscape.
Anena characterized the moment as a vital opportunity for those in Acholi, revealing, “In the entire country, Acholi is one region that has a crisis in leadership.”
She reiterated her commitment to harnessing the talents of the region, exclaiming, “With the brain, the energy, and the moral, we have identified very intellectual candidates [for the DF] who only need to be supported.”
Looking towards the future, Anena articulated the party’s vision for the country and the region, saying, “I see a new Uganda in the next few years. The next Uganda I see is a Uganda of unity, a Uganda with transition, and a Uganda of happiness.”
With obvious determination, she expressed the collective weariness with political instability, entrenching the need for robust leadership that will serve the people sincerely.
“With all the support, and all the leaders we have nominated, I will directly work with them and invest my energies, time, and brain to ensure that we get the right results,” solidifying her as a figure of hope for those who have long waited for authentic representation.
Anena emphasized her region’s thirsty to truth from leaders, stating, “in Acholi, we do not move into corners, we want the truth, and that is why after you [DF President] telling them the truth, they have seen the quality. We have the doctors, we social workers, we have engineers, all of them have led us to come and nominate,” she said”
She further dissuaded the Acholi members of DF from expecting much from the party because it is still new, urging them to apply collective effort in transforming the country’s politics, voicing a cooperative yearning for unity, and actionable progress.
“Our goal is to develop, and build a new and better Uganda. So, we should have the heart of patriotic passion and unity and work together as a team,” she concluded, leaving the crowd inspired and invigorated.
The day not only celebrated the opening of a new political chapter for the DF in the northern region, but also provided a platform for Anena to enlighten both hers, and party’s vision for the greater North of Uganda, which echoes the aspirations of many who have endured decades of tumultuous leadership.
