The Democratic Party (D.P) Bloc has dismissed three of its prominent members—Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku, Mike Sseninde Mabikke, and Henry Lubowa—amid allegations of corruption.
The dismissal, effective as of September 25, 2024, was confirmed in a letter signed by Vicent Mayanja on behalf of the D.P Bloc leadership. The trio has been ordered to step aside while investigations are conducted into their alleged involvement in secret dealings with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The root of the internal strife within the D.P Bloc is tied to claims that the three members had received a substantial amount of money from President Museveni.
Sources close to the matter allege that the funds, reportedly running into billions of Ugandan shillings, were given to the trio in May 2024. It is claimed that they persuaded the president that they were among the most influential political figures in Uganda ahead of the 2026 general elections.
What has exacerbated the situation is the accusation that Mukaaku, Mabikke, and Lubowa conducted these dealings without the knowledge or consent of their fellow D.P Bloc members.
The party leadership, consisting of five key leaders and over 30 influential members, especially in the Buganda and Busoga regions, were reportedly blindsided by the actions of their colleagues.
One anonymous member of the D.P Bloc noted that tensions escalated when it became apparent that the accused had been misusing their colleagues’ names to secure these illicit funds.
Furthermore, evidence surfaced suggesting that the three members had recently experienced a sudden surge in wealth, fueling suspicions. One of the accused reportedly purchased a house in Najjanankumbi, valued at UGX 350 million, while another is alleged to have bought a new car for his son.
Vicent Mayanja, a key leader within the D.P Bloc, expressed disappointment over the scandal, citing the incident as a betrayal of the party’s values.
“We are deeply troubled by the revelation that our colleagues accepted bribes from the president. This not only damages our credibility but also goes against our core principles of integrity and honesty. Our struggle is built on trust, peace, and strengthening our political base,” Mayanja remarked.
Former Makindye Mayor and D.P Bloc member Deo Kijjambu also weighed in on the controversy, admitting that he was not surprised by the allegations.
“I have long viewed Ugandan politics with a degree of skepticism. While they invite me to their meetings, I often choose not to attend. I’m not shocked by these developments,” Kijjambu said.
When approached for comment, Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku declined to address the allegations.
Mike Sseninde Mabikke, a former Member of Parliament for Makindye East, denied the accusations, dismissing them as baseless.
“These claims are simply not true—they are wishful thinking,” Mabikke stated. Henry Lubowa, a former councilor in Lubaga, also denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the allegations were being spread by individuals harboring personal vendettas against them.
The dismissed figures have been in Uganda politics for over years. Your usual suspect Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku branched from Democratic Party. The trio at once wanted to shake hands with the National Unity Platform but they failed to get any meaningful stake.
