The Democratic Party (DP) has said that Uganda is already undergoing a political transition, insisting that the process must be guided by the Constitution and the law. The party has also called for dialogue to address cases involving General Peter Elwelu, political prisoners and Ugandans living in exile.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, at the party headquarters on Balintuma Road, the DP National Publicity Secretary, Okoler Opio Lo Amanu said the reality of the ongoing transition should be acknowledged, regardless of whether people support it.
“The fact of the matter is, there is a transition that is ongoing and therefore, Ugandans should stay awake,” Amanu said.
He cautioned that the law is often the first casualty during periods of political change, but argued that a transition can be managed without violating the Constitution or disregarding legal procedures.
Amanu noted that Uganda has hundreds or even thousands of political prisoners and needs a process of national reconciliation. He called for a balance between legal requirements and humanitarian considerations.
“Where the law is not sufficient to address a situation, let humanity come in,” he said, welcoming discussions he had seen attributed to General Salim Saleh in the media.
On General Elwelu, Amanu noted that the officer had served in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and said the Chief of Defence Forces had expressed a willingness to engage him. He likened the proposed approach to a father seeking a conversation with his child, arguing that allegations should not automatically close the door to dialogue.
“If there are allegations, let me first have an engagement with him. But that does not stop that child from being your child,” he said.
He maintained that discussions and legal processes need not be treated as alternatives, adding that negotiations can take place while the law continues to run its course.
Amanu made a similar argument regarding Dr. Kizza Besigye, whom he said was receiving treatment in hospital after being taken there by General Saleh. He insisted that concerns about a person’s life should not be ignored in the name of strict legal compliance.
“We can’t leave somebody to die because we are adhering to the law,” Amanu noted, arguing that medical care, due process and negotiations can proceed at the same time. He was, however, careful to stress that DP was not endorsing violations of the law by the state.
The party also wants dialogue extended to Ugandans in exile, particularly those who left the country because they believe their lives are at risk. Amanu said efforts should be made to create conditions that allow them to return home.
“If God can talk to satan, then who are we humans that we can fail to talk to each other?” he said.
