DP Youth Unveil Reform Platform After Election Losses

By Skika reporter

Members of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), the youth wing of the Democratic Party (DP), have launched a reform platform dubbed “DP At HEART,” aimed at streamlining the party and restoring its grassroots strength following a string of electoral setbacks.

Speaking at the launch, UYD leaders said the initiative will provide a nationwide platform for party members to speak out on governance concerns, the rule of law and what they described as growing injustices in the country.

The youth leaders argued that some party officials have been “compromised” and are no longer advancing the core values and objectives of the Democratic Party, prompting the need for renewed internal mobilisation and ideological clarity.

According to UYD, post-election assessments indicate that DP’s parliamentary representation has declined from nine Members of Parliament at its recent peak to six in the 2026 general elections. The party also registered losses in several local government positions and has faced weakening grassroots coordination structures.

The youth wing further criticised what it termed inconsistencies in leadership strategy. While dialogue and cooperation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) were publicly promoted, some leaders allegedly pursued personal political ambitions, they claimed.

Former UYD president Ismail Kiirya said the new platform is designed to restore accountability and refocus the party on its founding principles.

“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.

UYD officials outlined key priorities under the reform agenda, including rebuilding local party structures, strengthening youth participation, enhancing digital mobilisation and promoting transparency and wider consultation in party decision-making processes.

They emphasised that the initiative is not a rebellion against the party leadership but rather an internal reform effort intended to reclaim the DP’s identity and competitiveness in Uganda’s political landscape.

The youth leaders called on members across the country to rally behind the platform and work collectively to rebuild and restore the Democratic Party’s political strength ahead of future electoral contests.