Democratic Front (DF) has heralded the last month of the year with a grand homage to the Buganda Kingdom.
On December 2, 2025, the party’s top leadership, including its flagship candidates for Parliament and local government, gathered at Bulange Mengo, the Buganda Kingdom’s headquarters where they engaged in a rare, interactive session with Oweek. Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda.
The gathering marked a major moment for the nascent party as it seeks to intertwine its political aspirations with the rich cultural heritage of Buganda.
The session started on a high note with the DF President Mathias Mpuuga paying glowing tribute to the Buganda Kingdom.
“We are here initially to pay homage to this great institution. Historical in greatness, in importance, nurturing leadership, and in leading where others retreat or cowardice,” Mpuuga began, setting an earnest tone for the event.
He expressed gratitude to Katikkiro Mayiga for graciously hosting the party, a gesture that reflects the mutual respect between traditional institutions and modern political endeavors.
Mpuuga elaborated on the party’s vision, stating, “As DF, we are here to pledge our support, determination, and commitment to work with the Kingdom in propagating and promoting goodness and goodwill amongst our common peoples, and promoting development for posterity.”
His words underscored the party’s commitment to collaborative progress with the Kingdom, aiming to foster an environment of unity and shared prosperity.
The DF President emphasized the party’s calculated political strategy, explaining why they refrained from presenting a presidential candidate during this 2025/2026 electoral season. “We were concerned that these elections come at a time when a lot of unresolved legal disputes remain and they encumber the manner in which elections are organized in Uganda,” he articulated, reflecting a prudent approach towards political engagement, as well as a commitment to foundational changes.
Mpuuga passionately highlighted the need for political reform in Uganda, stating, “DF believes that for us to have meaningful contestation for the presidency, we need to undertake wide-ranging reforms.”
He called the second Lancaster-like dialogue for constitutional reform, which resonated with the gathering, underlining the imperative for meaningful political discourse.
“The current system of governance was drawn from Lancaster arrangement, but of course, certain violations were made in the making of agreements and undertakings of the 1962 constitution,” he continued.
Katikkiro Speaks
In his speech, Katikkiro Mayiga welcomed the new party into the political arena with optimism.
“If your stand regarding Buganda’s five aspirational pillars is clear, we are open working with you. Our heritage with the incumbent King as the head of that heritage, the second aspirational pillar is sharing power under a Federal system of government,” he articulated, illuminating the Kingdom’s governance aspirations that DF could resonate with.
“The third aspirational pillar is protecting our land and borders of the Kingdom, the fourth aspirational pillar is about working hard, including health, education, creating jobs, and developing talent,” Mayiga added, emphasizing the need for unity among the diverse communities of Buganda.
He went on to articulate a vision for Buganda as more than just a tribal kingdom, invoking a sense of sophisticated nationalism.
Mayiga expressed confidence in DF’s leadership.
“DF is a young party with experienced leaders. These leaders are expected to appreciate the Kingdom’s aspirations and we want to know from the very beginning where DF stands in regards to overall Kingdom interests,” he stated.
In a commendable gesture, DF presented copies of their written agenda to Katikkiro Mayiga, who received them enthusiastically. As a celebrated author and a keen reader, Mayiga expressed his profound appreciation for the literature, emphasizing the importance of ideas in shaping governance.
The colorful homage showcased the Democratic Front’s genuine commitment to intertwining its political aspirations with the cultural legacy of Buganda.
As the party steps forward, buoyed by the Kingdom’s appreciation of its existence, it vows to foster development that respects the rich traditions and values of Buganda while carving a path toward a prosperous future for all Ugandans.
One comment
Nuwagaba James
December 2, 2025 at 9:33 pm
Real change act now.