Africa-Press – Uganda. Members of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), the youth wing of the Democratic Party, have launched a reform platform dubbed DP At HEART, aimed at streamlining the party and restoring its grassroots strength following declining electoral performance.
Speaking during the launch, UYD leaders said the initiative will provide a platform for members nationwide to speak out on governance concerns, rule of law and what they described as growing injustices in the country.
The youth leaders argued that some party leaders have been “compromised” and are no longer advancing the core values and objectives of the Democratic Party, prompting the need for internal mobilisation.
UYD cited post-election findings showing the party’s parliamentary representation has dropped from nine Members of Parliament at its recent peak to six in the 2026 general elections, alongside losses in local government positions and declining grassroots coordination.
They also criticised what they called inconsistencies in leadership strategy, alleging that while dialogue and cooperation with the ruling National Resistance Movement were publicly promoted, some leaders allegedly pursued personal political ambitions.
Former UYD president Ismail Kiirya said the new platform is intended to restore internal accountability and ideological clarity.
“DP AT HEART is a platform to help members speak openly about injustices and the rule of law, and to rebuild the party from the grassroots,” Kiirya said.
According to UYD, DP AT HEAT will focus on rebuilding local structures, strengthening youth participation, improving digital mobilisation and promoting transparency and consultation in party decision-making.
The group emphasised that the initiative is not a rebellion against party leadership but an internal reform effort aimed at reclaiming the party’s identity and competitiveness.
UYD called on members across the country to support the platform and work toward rebuilding and restoring the Democratic Party’s political strength.
