Former Leader of Opposition in parliament Mathias Mpuuga has launched the Democratic Front (DF), a new political party under the umbrella of the Democratic Alliance (DA) a broader coalition of pro-democracy forces aiming to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the 2026 general elections.
Speaking at the launch event held at DA offices in Namirembe-Bakuli, Kampala, Mpuuga emphasized that the Democratic Front is not just another political organization, but a deliberate response to what he termed as the failure of current political structures to drive meaningful transformation.
“This is the Democratic Front, DF. DF is now one of the political parties under the big tent of the Democratic Alliance,” he said. “From today onwards, let it be known to all and sundry that under the DA, we now officially have three major parties SDP, PDP, and now DF alongside several citizen formations, including members from the DP bloc, T-J, and others.”
Mpuuga said the new formation is rooted in values of political ethics, disciplined leadership, and a progressive mindset. “It is not a disruption,” he stressed. “It is a necessity born out of the failures of the status quo.”
The launch of DF marks a definitive break from the National Unity Platform (NUP), the party Mpuuga helped found, but which he has since criticized for being “in a deep slumber.” His fallout with NUP intensified earlier this year following a public dispute over a controversial Shs500 million service award, which led to his suspension as deputy president for Buganda.
The Democratic Front’s unveiling comes as part of a broader Democratic Alliance initiative to consolidate opposition voices. Mpuuga said the coalition intends to field candidates across all elective positions in 2026, including the presidency.
Mpuuga also used the occasion to reaffirm his vision for change through collective action, transparency, and principled leadership. “Uganda is ripe for transformation, but we need disciplined, forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes service over self-interest,” he declared.
The launch event attracted a diverse group of political figures, including former MPs and members of the Democratic Party (DP) Bloc.