Democratic Front Blasts Electoral Commission Over Misconduct in Elderly Elections

By Samuel Mbusa

Kampala, Tuesday June 17, 2025 – The Democratic Front has accused the Electoral Commission of gross incompetence following what it described as a disorganized and fraudulent election of the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) held on Monday, June 16.

Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s offices in Namirembe, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga—the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament and now Chief Coordinator of the Democratic Front—expressed deep concern over the integrity of the process.

“I personally took time to monitor the elections in my constituency, and I can confirm that Electoral Commission officials did not show up at 121 polling stations. This is not just a logistical issue—it is a complete failure,” Mpuuga told journalists.

He explained that the Democratic Front had nominated candidates to represent the party at all polling stations across Masaka. However, to their shock, voting proceeded in many areas without the presence of any Electoral Commission officials.

“I had fielded candidates in every village, yet in the absence of the Electoral Commission, people still voted and declared results. I challenge Justice Byabakama to come out and tell the country whether he is ready to deliver a credible, free, and fair electoral process,” Mpuuga demanded.

The Democratic Front Coordinator further warned the opposition and the public that election malpractice does not begin on polling day, but rather in the planning and design of the electoral process itself.

“The Electoral Commission introduced computerized voter registers, but no one understands how they work. These systems can be programmed so that for every one vote cast, NRM gets 59 votes. Anyone who understands computer systems knows this is technically possible,” Mpuuga said, emphasizing the need for vigilance and transparency.

When asked about the status of his proposed electoral reforms, Mpuuga  disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had not yet issued a certificate of financial implication for his reform bills—meaning that, by law, he must wait at least 60 more days before the process can proceed in Parliament.

In a significant announcement, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga  confirmed that the official launch of the Democratic Front party will take place on June 27, 2025, at Laston Gardens in Masaka City. He used the occasion to invite Ugandans of goodwill to attend the event and join the movement for a new political alternative.

The launch will be preceded by a Delegates’ Conference scheduled for June 26, 2025, also in Masaka City. During the conference, party structures will be solidified and internal elections held.

“The interim committee has appointed Semyelo Ismael Mulambuzi as the Head of the Democratic Front Electoral Commission. We are now inviting all interested candidates who wish to serve on our National Executive Committee to submit their expression of interest forms and contest,” Mpuuga said. “We want to show Ugandans how things should be done.”

He emphasized that the Democratic Front will present candidates at all levels—from Local Council I to the Presidency—in the 2026 General Elections. Plans are also underway to open regional offices across the country to facilitate grassroots membership registration and party mobilization.