Opposition Leaders Demand Reconciliation as Parties Meet in Jinja

What the report says

Political party leaders gathered in Jinja City for a two-day dialogue on post-election tensions, according to Nile Post. The October 15–16 meeting was organised by NIMD Uganda with IPOD and the National Consultative Forum, and brought together parties represented in Parliament and local government, along with other stakeholders in Uganda’s democratic process.

The discussions focused on national cohesion, inclusive governance and ways of managing political اختلافs after the 2026 General Elections. Participants also examined consociational democracy, a power-sharing approach that emphasizes proportional representation, consensus-building and accommodation of competing interests. Organisers said the retreat comes at a time when Uganda needs to strengthen democratic institutions and rebuild trust among political actors.

Opposition leaders used the forum to raise concerns about alleged human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention and what they described as concentration of power and growing militarisation. JEEMA president Asuman Basalirwa, UPC secretary general Fred Ebil, PFF’s Lulume Bayiga and FDC’s Robert Centenary each pressed for accountability and reforms. The ruling NRM, represented by Calvin Echodu, said it supports cooperation, peace, human rights and the rule of law.

The meeting matters because it reflects continuing debate over how Uganda can reduce political mistrust and whether power-sharing ideas could help ease divisions. Nile Post reported that participants are expected to develop proposals to strengthen democratic participation and reconciliation.