What are the main political parties in Uganda?

Uganda has a multi-party political system, though it has been dominated by a few key political parties. Here are the main political parties in Uganda:

National Resistance Movement (NRM)

Leader: Yoweri Museveni (since 1986)

Ideology: The NRM is a center-right party that advocates for nationalism, pro-market economic policies, and regional integration. It is the party in power and has been since Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986 following a five-year guerrilla war. The NRM, originally a revolutionary movement (the National Resistance Army, or NRA), has morphed into a dominant political party that controls most aspects of governance in Uganda.

Support Base: The NRM has significant support in various regions, particularly in the western and central parts of Uganda, but also enjoys a national presence. It is the dominant force in both the executive and legislative branches.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)

Leader: Patrick Oboi Amuriat (as of 2021, though leadership can change)

Ideology: The FDC is a center-left political party that advocates for democratic reforms, social justice, and human rights. It emerged as the leading opposition party after splitting from the Democratic Party in the 2000s. The FDC is critical of the NRM’s governance and has pushed for electoral reforms, transparency, and a more inclusive political system.

Support Base: The FDC draws significant support from urban areas, particularly Kampala, as well as from northern and eastern Uganda, where there is widespread dissatisfaction with the NRM’s long reign.

Democratic Party (DP)

Leader: Norbert Mao (as of 2021)

Ideology: The DP is one of Uganda’s oldest political parties, founded in 1954. It is generally seen as a centrist party with a focus on democracy, social welfare, and human rights. Historically, the DP has been a major player in Uganda’s politics but has been overshadowed in recent years by the NRM and FDC.

Support Base: The DP has strong roots in the Buganda region (central Uganda), although it has a presence across the country. It has traditionally been popular among educated urban elites.

People Power (now part of the National Unity Platform)

Leader: Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine)

Ideology: Originally a movement (People Power) led by popular musician and politician Bobi Wine, this group merged into the National Unity Platform (NUP) in 2020. NUP promotes social justice, youth empowerment, and opposition to the long-standing NRM government. It is also strongly anti-corruption and calls for significant political reforms in Uganda.

Support Base: NUP’s support primarily comes from young people, urban voters, and the marginalized, with a strong base in Kampala and other urban areas. The party’s grassroots appeal has made it popular among the youth who are frustrated with the current political status quo.

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC)

Leader: Jimmy Akena

Ideology: The UPC is a center-left party that was historically one of Uganda’s most powerful political organizations. Founded by Milton Obote, who served as Uganda’s president, the UPC advocates for a mixed economy, good governance, and social justice. After years of decline, the UPC remains a relevant player, though its influence has diminished in recent years.

Support Base: The UPC has strong historical support among some parts of central and northern Uganda, though it has lost significant ground to both the NRM and FDC in recent decades.

Conservative Party (CP)

Leader: Kenneth Paul Kakande (as of 2021)

Ideology: The CP is a smaller party with a conservative political agenda. It advocates for Christian values, social conservatism, and the protection of Uganda’s cultural heritage. Although it has not gained much traction in recent years, the party has been part of Uganda’s political history.

Support Base: The CP has some support in rural areas, particularly among religious groups, but it has struggled to compete with the larger, more established parties.

Socialist Party of Uganda (SPU)

Leader: Joseph Kabuleta (as of 2021)

Ideology: The SPU is a left-wing party that advocates for socialism, wealth redistribution, and state-led economic development. It promotes a more radical approach to transforming Uganda’s economy and governance. The SPU, like many smaller parties, faces significant challenges in establishing a broad support base.

Support Base: The party’s support is relatively limited, with some traction among intellectuals, activists, and those advocating for more systemic economic changes.

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT)

Leader: Gen. Mugisha Muntu (former FDC president)

Ideology: The ANT is a breakaway party from the FDC, founded by former army general and opposition leader Mugisha Muntu. It positions itself as a more moderate and pragmatic alternative to the FDC and NRM, promoting democratic reforms, national unity, and inclusivity in governance.

Support Base: The ANT has support primarily among moderates, those disillusioned with the FDC’s hardline stance, and individuals seeking a middle-ground approach to Uganda’s political problems.