Africa-Press – Uganda. Richard Ssebamala, one of the three aspiring candidates for the Democratic Party (DP) president general position, was abruptly removed from the race in the early hours of Sunday, sparking chaos and prompting organisers to postpone voting.
At around 3:00am on Sunday, DP National Chairman Dr Kiwanuka Ssempala read out the names of the candidates cleared for the top post: Dr Michael Lulume Bayigga, Elia Alitia, and Norbert Mao.
The omission of Bukoto Central MP Richard Ssebamala, who had been actively campaigning and was earlier introduced as a candidate by former DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda, sent shockwaves through the gathering at Asamar Country Hotel.
“I now present to you the candidates for president general: Dr Lulume Bayigga, Elia Alitia, Norbert Mao. I beg to submit,” Ssempala announced.
Supporters loyal to Ssebamala erupted into protest, accusing Mao and the party’s outgoing executive of orchestrating the removal.
“Mao and his executive have removed Ssebamala from the ballot. We will not allow this election to proceed until his name is reinstated,” one angry delegate shouted.
The atmosphere quickly grew tense. Uganda Police officers were placed on alert as a private security group, branded “BAU Security,” encircled the high table where Mao, former Vice President Fred Mukasa Mbidde, and outgoing chairman Mohammed Baswale Kezaala were seated.
Mbarara City South Division Police Commander Kellen Namara intervened in an attempt to restore calm.
“Hello… you have the right to keep quiet and move on. Let us accept the decision and move on,” DPC Namara told the agitated crowd.
In a brief statement to journalists, Ssebamala vowed to block the election unless his candidacy was reinstated.
“When I am not on the ballot, there is no voting. It’s that simple. They should tell us why my name is missing. Let us wait for voting time—after all, NEC has been dissolved,” he said.
At 3:12am, Mao was escorted from the venue as the National Executive Committee (NEC) formally stood dissolved.
A new presiding officer, Kennedy Mutenyo, was quickly nominated to oversee the election—a move met with further resistance from several delegates.
With chants of protest echoing through the venue, Mutenyo adjourned the voting process, announcing it would resume at 8:00am.
By press time, voting had not yet started, and party officials said new DP leaders were expected to be elected by the end of the day.
Efforts to obtain comment from key party figures implicated in the disorganisation, including Mao, proved futile as they swiftly exited the venue.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
