The Democratic Front (DF) has recommitted to its oath of office, pledging to work towards building an egalitarian nation and pursuing a transition agenda to end 40 years of misrule and stagnation in Uganda.
Below are key highlights from the speech by the party president, Mathias Mpuuga, shortly after the swearing-in ceremony of the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on July 4, 2025.
Commitment to the Oath of Office
The party president emphasized the importance of the oath taken by the members of the NEC, stating that it is a public commitment to the people of Uganda.
“I would like to thank my brother and Commissioner of Oath, Counsel Bumpenje, for enabling us to go through this process of swearing in members of NEC and CEC. This is not a ritual, but it is a serious occasion to resolve to offer the overwhelming commitment initially to ourselves as mutual leaders of common goals, and also pledge the same to the people of Uganda on whose behalf we commit to undertake these obligations.”
Leadership Commitment
Mpuuga congratulated his colleagues for their commitment, emphasizing that their obligation is public and they will be held accountable.
“I would like to congratulate my colleagues for the commitment you have made publicly and to the people of Uganda, we will live up to this oath because it has laid bare our intentions not in secrecy, our obligation is public and this afternoon, we have recommitted that we set out to meet this obligation.”
Building a Legacy
The party president reminded his colleagues that their commitment is not just about their tenure but about building a legacy that will outlast them.
“Because I spoke widely and deeply on the nature of our obligation in Masaka, I would be very brief this afternoon to only remind you that the commitment we have made today, is not ordained by me, it is only a matter of duty as long as we live and therefore we are here to build a monument beyond our existence-we are here to build our legacy as leaders of our common peoples.”
Duty to Steer the Country
Mpuuga emphasized that steering the country to a better path is not the preserve of a few individuals but a duty of every citizen.
“Let me also say this. There is a bit of a feeling that there are some actors amongst us in the opposition who believe that the duty to steer this country to a better path is their preserve, that is theirs, others should not be intruders. It is their project. Can I educate everybody out there that it is a duty of everybody including those in the NRM to retreat and to take back this country to a better path?”
Collective Responsibility
The party president emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, stating that every citizen has a role to play in ensuring the country’s progress.
“We do not have the same abilities, make no mistake, we do not have the same commitment, we do not have the same time, we do not have the same resources, but the addition of all these inabilities into common good, will give us the commonality that we desire to change the course of our country.”
Humility and Firmness
Mpuuga called on his colleagues to remain humble but communicate their intentions firmly and consistently.
“That is why, as the leader of the DF, I will ask my colleagues here and away to remain humble but communicate our intentions firmly, deliberately, and consistently. We shall be judged by how time passes.”
Building an Egalitarian Nation
The party president emphasized the party’s commitment to building an egalitarian nation, where everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources.
“We want to see a better Uganda, which is why we have spent the whole day here, trying to find the role we can play as the DF and remain available for work…to change the course of our politics. Our oath is unique-it carries a statement that we commit to immediately build an egalitarian nation (equal society socially, politically, economically).”
Pursuing Transition and Electoral Reforms
Mpuuga emphasized the party’s commitment to pursuing a transition agenda and electoral reforms, stating that the country needs a fresh national consensus.
“That as the DF, we believe that not a single platform in the circumstances has the capacity, infrastructure, internally and variously, to surround and surmount the challenges exhibited by the current armed regime that we intend to depose… We are committed to the fact that the country must transition after 40 years of misrule and stagnation, and to that end, transition is inevitable.”
Collaboration with Other Change-Seeking Forces
The party president emphasized the importance of collaboration with other change-seeking forces to achieve their goals.
“That we must work with all change-seeking forces. Two, we must work and arrange to advocate and pursue the release of political prisoners as much as feasible before the next elections.”
Representing All Regions
Mpuuga assured that the party will commit to building a party with a national face, thus the reason, NEC is not fully constituted.
“The 10% remains because the attendant parties to the DF are still consulting to make sure the leadership represents the face of this nation, and the wishes of the actors of this platform. That we shall do in the coming weeks to ensure that all regions, all parts of Uganda, are represented on this platform. That is our commitment, and we will deliver it, and as consultations are done, the outcome will be made public.”
