UDC’s defining year of delivery
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 12, 2026 06:00
After a period marked by internal uncertainty and waning confidence amongst some members, the party now seeks to reset, refocus, and most importantly, deliver tangible results. This shift signals not just a change in calendar years, but a fundamental transition from planning to action. Though registered as a party, UDC operates as a coalition and its affiliates are the Botswana People’s Party (BPP), Alliance for Progressives (AP) and Botswana National Front (BNF).
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, UDC executive secretary Dr Patrick Molutsi made it clear that 2026 represents a turning point. Unlike the previous year, which was largely devoted to strategy and preparation, this year demands implementation. According to Molutsi, the expectations placed on the party by its supporters, and the nation at large, require nothing less than visible progress.
To begin with, Molutsi emphasised that capacity building will be at the heart of the party’s agenda. In particular, the UDC intends to intensify political training for youth and women, recognising them as both the backbone of the party and the future of leadership. “However, this training will go beyond basic political mobilisation. Instead, it will focus on helping participants understand government systems, public policy processes, and how state institutions function.” “People must understand government issues and how the country is run,” Molutsi explained.
In this regard, he said political education is not viewed as optional, but as essential. Without such understanding, he noted, even well-intentioned leaders may struggle to effectively represent citizens or articulate government programmes. Equally important, the UDC plans to convene leadership forums for Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, councillors, and party officials holding key positions within party structures, he told Mmegi.
These forums, Molutsi said, are designed to sharpen leadership skills while reinforcing accountability. “More significantly, they are intended to remind leaders of the party’s central mission: delivering on its manifesto promises,” he revealed.
“Through these engagements, leaders are expected to internalise the party’s commitment to service delivery and good governance. “ Molutsi pointed out that the leadership forums also serve as platforms for honest reflection, allowing leaders to assess progress, identify shortcomings, and realign their efforts with party objectives. Furthermore, Molutsi stressed the importance of the unity of the message.
He said in the past, mixed signals from different leaders have sometimes confused supporters and weakened public trust. “Therefore, by strengthening internal communication and coordination, the party aims to ensure that all its structures speak with one voice.” This unity, he argued, is critical for effective governance and political credibility,” he said. In addition, Molutsi said a persistent challenge facing many political organisations: the assumption that the public automatically understands government programmes. According to him, this assumption is deeply flawed. He said as a result, UDC leaders must invest time in studying government policies and programmes so that they can accurately interpret and explain them to citizens.
“People cannot support what they do not understand,” Molutsi noted. Consequently, he said leaders who are well-versed in government initiatives will be better positioned to engage communities, respond to concerns, and counter misinformation.
This approach, he believes, will help bridge the gap between government action and public perception. Another critical issue raised by Molutsi is the relationship between the party and government. He underscored the need for a strong and deliberate link between the two, noting that party policies and government programmes must align.
Without such alignment, contradictions may arise, undermining both governance and party credibility, he said. At the same time, Molutsi revealed that the UDC is considering holding a party conference this year. While the elective congress traditionally takes place during election years, the possibility of a conference in 2026, he said, reflects the party’s desire to remain dynamic and responsive. He said that such a gathering would provide an opportunity to assess performance, energise structures, and prepare for future electoral contests. Moreover, Molutsi assured members and supporters that the party will work tirelessly to ensure that all its structures remain active and functional.
Dormant structures, he implied, weaken grassroots engagement and disconnect leadership from the people. Therefore, he said, revitalising these structures is central to sustaining momentum throughout the year. Through focused training, strengthened leadership, unified messaging, and closer alignment between party and government, the UDC aims to restore confidence among its members and trust among the electorate. Ultimately, whether this year lives up to its billing as a “year of delivery” will depend on the party’s ability to turn strategy into action and words into results.