Soroti, Uganda | The Democratic Front (DF) party, under the leadership of Mathias Mpuuga (former leader of opposition), expanded its political presence in Eastern Uganda by officially installing former UPC Soroti City chairman Pascal Amuriat as the regional coordinator for Teso Subregion.
The move followed a wave of defections from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and was marked by the launch of the DF regional office in Soroti City.
Amuriat Pascal, the former Soroti City UPC chairperson and MP flag bearer for Soroti East Division, resigned from UPC ahead of this event.
He cited failed leadership, weak party structures, and ideological conflicts, including an informal alliance with the NRM, as reasons for his departure.
Amuriat emphasized that staying in UPC would have compromised his personal integrity and pledged to continue serving the public through the DF party.
He is now contesting for Soroti East Division MP in the 2026 elections.
Addressing elders, defectors, and supporters, Mpuuga thanked the elders of Teso for welcoming him and he expressed admiration for the large turnout, saying it demonstrated the people’s yearning for a fresh political alternative.
He recalled asking Pascal Amuriat how many people were expected at the meeting, and Amuriat responded that it would be just a few.
Mpuuga said he did not expect such a large number and urged people to join DF, emphasizing that the party was built on inclusivity and service.
He used the occasion to thank Pascal Amuriat, stating that Amuriat’s joining marked a new beginning for the people of Teso.
Mpuuga reassured those who defected from NUP that they were not alone and acknowledged their contributions to the party.
He lamented the betrayal they had experienced and encouraged them to remain committed to building a better Uganda through DF.
Mpuuga called for a new national consensus that focuses on fairness, equality, and inclusivity.
He criticized the prolonged leadership in the country, arguing that it was unjust to have one person ruling for over 40 years.
He said Uganda needed fresh leadership that allowed power-sharing among regions and embraced young people in leadership.
He emphasized that Uganda has enough wealth for all citizens and condemned systems that favored a few while leaving the majority behind.
He stressed the need for a fair competition among leaders and proposed a new political era anchored on unity and shared development.
Highlighting the DF party’s symbol-a tree-Mpuuga said it represents shelter for all Ugandans and a commitment to environmental protection.
He explained that the tree was chosen because it provides shelter and represents sustainability, demonstrating DF’s commitment to protecting the environment and future generations.
Mpuuga introduced Amuriat Pascal as the new regional coordinator and praised his leadership capabilities.
He also confirmed that DF would hold its first delegate conference soon and tasked party leaders in Teso to mobilize supporters and prepare for national outreach.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DF and several defectors from NUP across Teso districts including Kumi, Ngora, Amuria, Serere, and Kapelebyong.
The defectors cited premature leadership, lack of transparency, and tribal dominance within NUP as their reasons for leaving.
They pledged to work with DF to build inclusive political structures and win seats at local and parliamentary levels.
Among the defectors was Ichoto Julius, a parliamentary aspirant from Kapir County under the NRM.
He accused his former party of injustice, stating that his name was removed from the nomination list without explanation. Julius expressed hope in DF as a party that brings people together.