The leadership of the Democratic Alliance pressure group has dismissed the “protest vote” narrative promoted by some opposition political leaders, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP).
They described it as a calculated move aimed at legitimizing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in the upcoming election.
Instead, the Democratic Alliance has called on all political actors to set aside their political differences and unite in demanding that the NRM government amend electoral laws to ensure free and fair elections.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, leader of the National Unity Platform, recently informed his supporters that the NUP’s top leadership had resolved to participate in the 2026 elections under the banner of a “protest vote.” However, he did not provide further details regarding this strategy.
In 2022, Kyagulanyi had stated that he would not contest future elections unless significant electoral reforms were implemented to guarantee fairness. Nevertheless, earlier this year, he reversed his position, announcing his intention to run for the presidency under the new “protest vote” narrative. This approach is interpreted by some as a way of conceding power to the current regime while focusing on securing opposition positions for his core loyalists.
Addressing Democratic Alliance leaders from Kampala and Wakiso at the Alliance’s headquarters in Namirembe, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba—the interim leader of the Democratic Alliance and former Leader of the Opposition—warned that opposition participation in elections without substantial reforms is a deliberate tactic by certain factions to legitimize NRM’s alleged electoral malpractice.
Mpuuga emphasized that the Democratic Alliance’s primary objective is to foster a united opposition that champions a common cause: reforming the country’s electoral process to ensure genuine democracy.
He urged all Democratic Alliance leaders nationwide to collaborate in advancing the values and mission of the Alliance, stressing that unity and shared purpose are essential for creating a political environment led by competent and principled leaders.
