“I have served this party diligently for ten years. Many senior members, including the party president, Hon. Norbert Mao, have encouraged me to step forward and lead the party into the next general election,” said Alitia.
Elia Alitia, the Democratic Party (DP) Vice President for Northern Uganda, has declared his intention to contest for the party’s presidential flag ahead of the 2026 General Elections. Alitia, a professional lawyer from the West Nile region, has served in the DP’s top leadership for over a decade.
“I have served this party diligently for ten years. Many senior members, including the party president, Hon. Norbert Mao, have encouraged me to step forward and lead the party into the next general election,” said Alitia.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Monday at Heritage Courts Hotel in Arua City and was presided over by Sunday Asawo, the Administrative Secretary for DP in Northern Uganda and spokesperson for Alitia’s presidential campaign.Asawo said service delivery in the country has significantly deteriorated and needs urgent redress. He emphasized the Democratic Party's commitment to restoring truth, justice, and equal opportunity across all public institutions.
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Alitia, while speaking at the event, acknowledged internal divisions as a major setback for the party’s performance. He pledged to rebuild unity and restore DP’s credibility if given the mandate.
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DP parliamentary aspirant for Maracha East, Emmanuel Abiti, called for an end to divisive politics, which he said is undermining national development and service delivery.
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Victor Ajuma, vying for Terego West MP, raised concerns about the country’s high youth unemployment rate, saying it remains a major challenge that must be tackled by future leaders.
Arua City Lord Mayor aspirant, Gasper Pirio, urged Ugandans to prioritize unity and responsible leadership during the upcoming elections.
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Meanwhile, veteran politician and Lugbara Kari Clerk to Council, Jaffer Alekua, warned political parties against inciting violence or engaging in politics that breed bloodshed.
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Founded in 1954, the Democratic Party is Uganda’s oldest political party. However, it has faced internal friction since party president Norbert Mao signed a cooperation agreement with the ruling NRM government two years ago—an action that many DP leaders have criticized for undermining the party’s autonomy and founding principles.
The fate of Alitia and other aspirants now lies in the hands of the DP National Delegates Conference scheduled for May 2025, where candidates for various elective positions will be officially chosen and endorsed.
