Democratic Party Petition on National Resistance Movement Pact Dismissed

KAMPALA | March 2, 2026 | 5:20 PM EAT — The High Court has dismissed a petition lodged by a section of members of the Democratic Party (DP) challenging the party’s cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), dealing a blow to internal critics seeking to overturn the controversial pact.In its ruling delivered on Monday evening, the court held that the applicants failed to prove that the agreement violated either the DP constitution or national laws governing political parties.

Petition Challenged Legality of Pact

The disgruntled members had asked the court to nullify the cooperation deal signed in 2022, arguing that it was executed without the approval of key party organs and contrary to the party’s founding principles.

They contended that the agreement effectively diluted DP’s opposition identity and was entered into without sufficient consultation.

The petitioners also sought declarations that the party leadership acted beyond its mandate when it formalized the arrangement with the NRM.

Court Declines to Interfere

In dismissing the application, the court underscored the principle that political parties are autonomous bodies with the right to determine their political strategies and alliances, provided they operate within the law.

The judge noted that while members may disagree with leadership decisions, such disputes should ordinarily be resolved through internal party structures rather than judicial intervention.

The court found no compelling evidence of illegality to justify nullifying the agreement.

Political Fallout

The ruling is likely to reignite debate within DP ranks, where the cooperation deal has remained a source of friction.

Supporters argue that engagement with the ruling party opens space for policy influence and national dialogue, while opponents insist it weakens the party’s standing among opposition supporters.

The NRM has consistently maintained that the pact promotes stability and broad-based governance.

With the legal avenue now closed, analysts say dissenting DP members may either pursue reforms through internal party mechanisms or escalate political pressure ahead of the next electoral season.