Democratic Party (DP) say preparations are in high gear ahead of the grand reunion of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) which will reunite party members that had previously fallen out.
Last week, the DP Party President, Norbert Mao told journalists that the long standing friction within UYD, the Youth League of the DP was set to be resolved.
It followed a meeting by UYD alumni members in which a new strategy to ensure that all “forces of change” work together to create political change in the country was unveiled.
Today, at a news conference held at the DP headquarters in Kampala, the Party Secretary General, Gerald Siranda said that final preparations are underway and all the necessary clearance has been sought from the Police as required by the Public Order Management Act.
The event is slated to take place tomorrow, Wednesday May 23, at the Makerere University Rugby Grounds.
Commenting on the venue, Siranda said that Makerere University has a significant part in the UYD history since that was where the movement was formed.
He said that going to Makerere was like going home.
“We are trying to get back to our roots. We have been like soldiers that are fighting a war but pointing all our guns at each other. We are going to make sure that we reconvene and make sure that we refocus on the enemy of Uganda,” Siranda said.
He also revealed that the Inspector General of Police, Okoth Ochola had been invited ro attend, “because we want him to know that when we take power, he will be around to salute us”.
He further said that German politician, Dr. Klaus Schüler who led Chancellor Angella Merkel’s campaigns is also already in the country to among other things guide DP on how to manage successful campaigns. Schüler was received by Nobert Mao at Entebbe International Airport on Monday.
Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga is expected to attend the May 23 event. Other guests include Senator Hassan Omar from Kenya and Mr. Kagoro Kyamisa from Zimbabwe’s MDC, Mr Fikile Mbalula (former minister in South Africa) and Dr Paul Williams, Member of Parliament in British’s House of Commons.
Suleiman Kidandala, who is steering preparations for the event said that some of the international guests have already arrived while the others will jet in tomorrow.