In a remarkable exhibit of political ambition, the newly launched Democratic Front (DF) is making waves in Uganda’s political fray.
When the party was unveiled at Laston Gardens in Masaka in June 2025, its founders, led by inaugural President Mathias Mpuuga, promised to establish a fresh vehicle for change that would resonate with citizens seeking to restore sanity in the country’s governance hygiene.
Now, just hardly five months later, the DF is living up to its promise, attracting support from across the nation.
As the national nomination exercise by the Uganda’s Electoral Commission continues, it is becoming increasingly clear that the DF is becoming a formidable contender in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.
Over the last few months, interest in the party has surged, with prospective candidates flocking to its headquarters eager to represent its values and ambitions. This momentum is a proof to the party’s growing popularity and the desire for a political change that resonates with the electorate.
So far, the DF has garnered over 300 duly confirmed candidates for various Local Government positions, according to official records of the Electoral Commission. This number is yet even to rise given the fact that some districts especially in the rural setting are still responding to the Justice Simon Byabakama’s Commission. At the local government level, this is unprecedented number for any new formed political party in Uganda which reflects not only the party’s rapid growth but also its capability to mobilize grassroots support.
The breakdown of the DF candidates paint the party’s widespread appeal, with representations scattered across the country. This includes more than 20 LC5 chairpersons, over 30 mayors or chairpersons at the city division and sub-county levels, and a diverse array of councilors, all championing the DF agenda.
Notable candidates under the DF banner include Farida Nakiboneka, eyeing the chairperson position for Butambala District, Nakafeero Flavia, who aims for the Wakiso District chairperson; and Abdul Kyabangi, a proven leader formerly chairing Gomba District, now vying for the same position again.
Kyabangi’s track record as a top-performing district leader showcases his commitment to effective governance.
At the city division level, the party has nominated prominent figures such as Kasibante Moses, a former Lubaga North representative, campaigning for the Cultural Division mayoral seat.
At the same time, Mulindwa Michael Nakumusana has stepped forward to contest for the mayoral position of Masaka City, a major area whose establishment saw strong advocacy from the Buganda Kingdom.
Despite its successes, the DF is not without challenges. One notable hurdle includes the case of Ngora district’s LC5 chairperson aspirant, Odongo Mike Lo’Asio, who was denied nomination by the Ngora district returning officer.
He and other DF affected aspirants have since lodged petitions with the Electoral Commission, contesting the district returning officers’ decisions, eagerly awaiting a resolution by the electoral related issues regulator.
The DF’s support base is increasingly equipped by candidates from Greater Masaka, the Teso sub-region, Greater Mpigi, Busoga sub-region, and Acholi sub-region, affirming the party’s geographical reach and appeal.
As the nomination exercise continues, the Democratic Forum’s impressive showing signals a fresh political force in Uganda, one that resonates with the aspirations of citizens eager for effective governance.
