Former NUP Deputy President unveils new party, pledges fresh leadership ahead of 2026 elections.
In a bold move set to reshape Uganda’s political dynamics, former Leader of the Opposition and Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, Mathias Mpuuga, has officially launched the Democratic Front (DF), a new political party aiming to offer a fresh alternative to the current political establishment
On Tuesday, the Nyendo-Mukungwe MP officially launched Democratic Front as a fresh alternative for Ugandans yearning for a new direction in leadership and governance.
He said the new political party is deliberate in bringing freshness to Uganda’s political landscape.
“It is born out of our motherland’s need for meaningful transformation that transcends the tired cycle of recycled ideologies,”Mpuuga said.
The launch of DF on May 27, 2025, in Kampala, marks Mpuuga’s definitive break from the National Unity Platform (NUP), where he previously served as Deputy President for Buganda. The split follows prolonged internal disagreements with NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, culminating in Mpuuga’s removal as Leader of the Opposition in January 2024 .
Mpuuga’s departure was further fueled by allegations surrounding a UGX 500 million “service award,” which he has consistently denied, asserting that his efforts to seek dialogue with NUP leadership were deliberately ignored.
Rebranding for Renewal
Rather than registering a new party from scratch, Mpuuga and his allies rebranded the dormant Green Partisan Party (GPP), officially renaming it the Democratic Front (DF) after obtaining approval from the Electoral Commission on May 6, 2025.
“Introducing the Democratic Front (DF), a new political party that is deliberate in bringing freshness to Uganda’s political landscape,” Mpuuga announced on X (formerly Twitter). He described DF as “a home for logical thinkers, progressive minds, and those who believe in political ethics and disciplined service delivery”.
The new party is a metamorphosis and approval from the Electoral Commission renaming the Green Partisan Party to the Democratic Front done on May 6, 2025, in accordance with Section 6(1)(f) of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, Cap 178.
With this development, Mpuuga’s political divorce from NUP is now legally sealed.
Building a Coalition for Change
The Democratic Front is not an isolated initiative. Mpuuga emphasized that DF is part of a broader coalition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which includes the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This alliance aims to unify opposition forces ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“It is foolhardy for the Opposition and all change-seeking forces to contest the next polls individually. Fragmentation is a real concern. The DA will offer harmony, direction, and a platform for ideological clarity,” Mpuuga stated.
Potential Impact on Uganda’s Political Landscape
Political analysts suggest that DF’s emergence could significantly impact NUP’s support base, particularly in the Buganda region, where Mpuuga has substantial influence. “If the Democratic Front is able to gain traction, it will affect NUP because they share the same catchment area—Buganda,” noted political analyst Isaac Atukunda .
However, some experts remain skeptical about DF’s potential to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Prof. Fredrick Jjuuko of Makerere University commented, “New parties and presidential candidates often enter the race, gather less than one percent of the vote, and still consider that a win. From where I stand, this new party adds nothing new” .
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, the Democratic Front’s formation adds a new dimension to Uganda’s political contest. Mpuuga’s leadership and the party’s emphasis on ethical governance and disciplined service delivery may attract voters seeking alternatives to the current political offerings.
The coming months will reveal whether DF can galvanize sufficient support to become a formidable force in Ugandan politics or if it will struggle to distinguish itself in a crowded opposition landscape.
