Democratic Front President Mathias Mpuuga has called for unity and reconciliation among voters and candidates during the ongoing campaigns leading up to the 2026 elections. Speaking to a gathering of traders at the Kikuubo business center in Masaka City on November 21, 2025, Mpuuga emphasized the importance of a peaceful electoral process, inviting participants to set aside differences and focus on collective progress.
In an engaging session with the traders, Mpuuga highlighted his commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue as he stated, “I urged my colleagues [DF] to organize a session for questions such that those who want to ask me about things they hear in rumors can do it from here. If you fail to bring them here, then you are just people of ill-will,” Mpuuga said.
His open approach allowed voters to pose inquiries directly, promoting an atmosphere of transparency and interaction.
“Here in Masaka City, every time I have been competing with not less than eight candidates, and I have never went through unopposed, and I expect some people not to vote me which is not a crime, why do you then abuse the one who is going to vote for me?” Mpuuga asked.
He thus delivered his collaboration message to traders, which he said was essential for meaningful change.
“Will you apologize to the one you are abusing when you need him? I believe that I need all people including those one who are not my supporters at the moment because time will come when I need them most,” Mpuuga said, “so, you people who need the change, stop abusing each other based on things alien to you.”
He reminded his audience of the need to come together, saying, “Please stop hurling insults at each other,” and urged those seeking change to “stop abusing each other based on things alien to you.”
Reflecting on his past while serving as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Mpuuga expressed concern over how his successors had strayed from the well-meaning agenda he had laid out.
“I led the opposition team in Parliament for two-and-a-half years and however ill-hearted you and spiteful you are, you can inevitably admit that I did that job well in Parliament,” he asserted. He stressed that he had not left behind directives to sow discord but rather called attention to a pressing need for continuity in advocating for the public’s interests.
Accompanying Mpuuga were fellow MPs of Masaka City; Dr. Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonera Division) and Juliet Nakabuye Kakande (Masaka City Woman MP), who joined in emphasizing their collective successes over the past four years.
They took the opportunity to remind voters of their contributions to the community, highlighting key projects such as the ongoing construction of the city stadium, improvements in city road infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at empowering local communities through better schools and recreational facilities.
During the interaction, Mpuuga also addressed the talks around the presidential race, reiterating that the Democratic Front would engage in thoughtful deliberation before endorsing any candidate.
“The country has been asking why isn’t Mpuuga announcing the presidential candidate he supports? My head leads the DF,” he explained, clarifying that a candidate would only be supported after a definitive decision by the party’s National Executive Committee, which intentionally resolved in September 2025 not to front any candidate for presidency in 2026 elections which happened without reassuring Constitutional and Electoral reforms.
Among the vibrant atmosphere at the Kikuubo business center, the traders welcomed Mpuuga and his accompanying party candidates at Parliamentary, and Local Government levels led by Michael Nakumusana who is vying for Masaka city mayoral position with enthusiasm, demonstrating their support for a leader focused on unity rather than division.
Mpuuga’s visit served not only as a campaign stop but as a crucial moment of connection with constituents, reinforcing the need for everyone, regardless of their political affiliations, to come together for the good of Masaka City which is hardly five years old.
As the 2026 elections approach, Mpuuga’s call for peace and understanding resonates in a political climate often characterized by conflict and division, and his vision for a united electorate aims to inspire hope and cooperation among all Ugandans, paving the way for a more harmonious political environment.
