“Don’t Fear Them, But Don’t Be Compromised” – Mpuuga’s Bold Move Shakes Museveni’s Re-election Bid

President Yoweri Museveni’s push for re-election has encountered a significant obstacle following the Democratic Alliance (DA) National Coordinator Mathias Mpuuga’s unveiling of a bold strategy aimed at weakening the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

During a rally at Namirembe Hill on March 14, 2025, Mpuuga introduced a team of regional coordinators tasked with persuading NRM supporters to shift their allegiance to the opposition.

In a passionate speech, Mpuuga called on Ugandans to stand up against the current leadership, emphasizing the need for justice over revenge. He cited the recent violence in the Kawempe North by-election as a warning sign, asserting that Uganda must no longer tolerate political intimidation.

“Go to the NRM people in the countryside and speak to them. Show them the bigger goal — nation-building. Don’t fear them, but don’t be compromised,” Mpuuga urged, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

He reassured opposition supporters that DA’s core mission is to bring justice to Ugandans who have suffered under state oppression. To achieve this, he announced a nationwide outreach initiative, beginning in Teso next month before expanding to Bunyoro, Karamoja, and West Nile.

Unlike conventional political parties, DA positions itself as a broad civic platform, bringing together opposition forces, civil society, and everyday citizens. Mpuuga made it clear that DA will not field candidates under its own name but will instead support opposition candidates who share its vision.

This strategy aims to strengthen opposition unity, moving beyond grassroots mobilization to attract influential political figures.

Kimanya-Kabonera MP Abed Bwanika dismissed skepticism about DA’s ability to challenge Museveni’s decades-long rule.

“We are Uganda’s best. The time for change is now, and we will not back down,” Bwanika declared.

With DA’s growing momentum, the 2026 elections are shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested in Uganda’s history. Museveni, who has led the country since 1986, now faces an organized and determined opposition that could disrupt his path to re-election.