Kampala, Uganda – Hon. Richard Sebamala, a Democratic Party (DP) presidential hopeful, has delivered a stark assessment of Uganda’s opposition politics, warning that internal divisions and a failure to grasp the true nature of power are crippling their chances of ever forming government.
In a pointed critique, Sebamala argued that opposition parties have become trapped in a cycle of internal competition and positional politics, focusing on securing titles rather than building the influence needed to govern.
“Power is not about holding a title or occupying a seat in Parliament; it is about influencing policy and mobilizing people behind a shared vision,” Sebamala said, adding that opposition parties risk becoming permanent fixtures in Uganda’s political landscape unless they adopt a more strategic approach.
Sebamala was particularly critical of the opposition’s tendency to prioritize internal dominance over national leadership.
According to him, many parties expend more energy fighting for control within their own structures than challenging the ruling government.
“Instead of working together toward a common goal, opposition parties often engage in internal competition that weakens their collective strength,” he said.
He likened the situation to a football match where every striker is more interested in personal glory than scoring goals for the team – a dynamic that, he argued, only strengthens the ruling party’s position.
Sebamala also warned of the long-term consequences of remaining in opposition without a credible path to power.
“The longer a party stays in opposition, the more it risks adapting to that role permanently, rather than positioning itself as a government-in-waiting,” he cautioned.
This, he suggested, not only weakens public confidence in the opposition’s ability to govern but also reinforces the ruling party’s narrative that no alternative is capable of leading the country.
Sebamala’s solution is clear: opposition parties must abandon their isolationist tendencies and embrace cooperation.
“Power shared is power retained,” he said, emphasizing that alliances and collective action are essential to breaking the ruling government’s hold on power.
He argued that opposition parties must prioritize building networks of influence rather than hoarding power within their own structures.
“No single party or individual can effect meaningful change alone. A divided opposition plays directly into the hands of those already in power,” he said.
As the 2026 elections approach, Sebamala’s remarks serve as a warning and a blueprint.
He urged opposition leaders to focus on building a unified front capable of presenting a credible alternative to the ruling government.
“For opposition parties to succeed, they must shift their focus from internal rivalries to strategies that enhance their chances of governance,” he concluded.
Sebamala’s message is a clear call for a political reset – one that demands cooperation over competition if Uganda’s opposition hopes to challenge the status quo and deliver meaningful change.