Also known as: UDC · UDC government
Coalition governing Botswana after 2024 election victory, facing internal debate over membership arrangements and criticism from unions over unmet campaign promises.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on United Democratic Coalition
Every mention in the Botswanan press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
The Botswana Gazette
The BCP says the arrest and interrogation of activists over Facebook comments cast doubt on the UDC government’s commitment to freedom of expression. …
Activists’ Arrests Test UDC Rights PledgeMmegi
… His presentation calls on the BNF, one of the key partners in the UDC government, to use strategic parliamentary and council caucus meetings, as well as broader consultations, to influence policy discussions aimed at building what it describes as a diversified and inclusive “deep …
BNF urged to push for living wage, jobsThe Botswana Gazette
… SESUPO RANTSIMAKO The UDC government’s flagship promise to provide free sanitary pads to female learners is facing a major implementation test, with supply interruptions threatening to undermine…
Free Pads Hit Supply GapsMmegi
… That team can work within the DCEC still independent,” Mohwasa said.Upon assuming government, following the historic win during the 2024 General Elections, the UDC government commissioned a forensic audit to expose the corruption that has transpired over the last 10 years.
Boko to unveil special team to act on forensic auditMmegi
… The standoff between the unions and the administration emanates from the failed salary negotiations.Close to two years now, the UDC government and unions have not reached any agreement in their talks with their qualms escalated to the courts to mediate. …
Unions turn up the heat on UDCThe Botswana Gazette
… SESUPO RANTSIMAKO Opposition parties have accused the UDC government of lacking commitment to political party funding, arguing that the administration is using financial constraints to delay implementing a law passed by Parliament in 2024. …
Opposition Presses UDC on FundingMmegi
Speaking during a press conference held at Tsholetsa House in Gaborone on Tuesday, Balopi said the UDC government has failed to meet the expectations of Batswana since assuming office following the 2024 General Election. …
Balopi delves into UDC ‘doubtful’ governanceMmegi
… The sharp contrast between the BCP leadership that will come in on July 21 and the UDC government should be anticipated. …
We are ready to save Botswana - BCPAfter the UDC coalition's defeat in the Sefhophe council by-election, some BNF members are seeking clarity on the BPF's decision to contest, which they believe contributed to the coalition's loss. The dispute has prompted questions within BNF about the terms of cooperation with the BPF, which is not an affiliate of the opposition coalition.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
After the UDC coalition's defeat in the Sefhophe council by-election, some BNF members are seeking clarity on the BPF's decision to contest, which they believe contributed to the coalition's loss. The dispute has prompted questions within BNF about the terms of cooperation with the BPF, which is not an affiliate of the opposition coalition.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party won a by-election in the Mmadinare constituency, ending the Botswana Democratic Party's dominance in the area since independence. The result reflects a significant political shift in the region, with implications for UDC coalition partners.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
The UDC is navigating growing internal wrangles, factional tensions, and member complaints over leadership accountability, amid reports of a resignation from a Mmadinare councillor. The party faces unresolved issues stemming from its last Palapye elective congress.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
In an interview at her home near Gaborone, prominent activist Dow reflects on her involvement in the legal case that made her name known internationally, her decision to contest for BCP vice president, and her tendency to step into every space where she believes she can contribute, saying "I am unable not to get involved if I believe I have an opinion or something to contribute."
22 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The BCP secured 800 votes against the UDC's 705 in the Sefhophe by-election, winning barely two years after the UDC's historic 2024 election victory. The loss is attributed partly to voters' frustration with economic hardship and rising living costs, compounded by President Boko's earlier assertion that election promises do not constitute legally binding contracts.
21 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Federation of Public, Private and Parastatal Sector Unions rejects claims that its criticism of government is anti-government in nature, arguing that organised labour helped shape key UDC manifesto commitments and that its criticism is about holding the administration to promises made to workers.
8 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Botswana Congress Party has criticised the UDC government over the arrest and interrogation by the Criminal Investigation Department of its activists Obakeng Sethibe and Rachel Tlharesagae over Facebook comments, saying it casts doubt on the government's commitment to freedom of expression.
7 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
Dr Howard Sigwele, an agro-economist, is calling on the BNF to advocate for a living wage that enables workers to afford a decent standard of living during and after their working years, and to use parliamentary and council meetings to influence policy discussions on employment creation and economic diversification. His proposal comes as the government has adopted a P4,000 minimum wage for public servants.
5 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Ex-BNF president Otsweletse Moupo rejects a patronage approach to cadre deployment, arguing in a paper for the party's policy forum that the party's long struggle was aimed at establishing a just social order, not securing material benefits for members. He maintains that any benefits accruing to deployed members should be incidental to their responsibility of serving the public.
30 September 2026 · Mmegi →
The UDC coalition faces internal debate over whether to continue a special arrangement for direct members in the 2029 election, an arrangement that emerged after the BCP's withdrawal and allowed four expelled BCP legislators to contest the 2024 elections under the UDC banner without joining affiliate parties.
28 September 2026 · Mmegi →
The Manual Workers Union alleges that centralising recruitment for 367 gardener and cleaner posts could be intended to reward UDC activists, a claim the Directorate of Public Service Management has not answered.
9 September 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The UDC selected Galebotse as its candidate for the Sefhophe by-election through a consensus process among three interested members, following the death of former councillor Christopher Motsholapheko. The party is seeking to maintain control of the ward.
7 September 2026 · Mmegi →
Government reports its free sanitary pads programme has reached 80,498 girls nationwide, but supply interruptions threaten the scheme's reliability as a public service.
26 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
During a parliamentary response, Minister Mohwasa revealed that the government will establish an independent special team—rather than relying on existing investigative bodies—to act on findings from a forensic audit commissioned to expose corruption over the last decade.
20 August 2026 · Mmegi →
Labour movements have concluded that the UDC government has failed to address pressing issues from its 2024 election campaign and should make way for another administration. The standoff stems from nearly two years of stalled salary negotiations between unions and the government, with the dispute escalated to the courts.
17 August 2026 · Mmegi →
UDC spokesperson Molutsi said the party president and deputy president's demanding government responsibilities make it difficult for them to attend NEC meetings, though he maintained the NEC continues to meet with representatives from coalition parties and communicates with the two leaders through briefings and resolutions.
17 August 2026 · Mmegi →
Opposition parties have accused the UDC government of lacking commitment to political party funding, arguing that the administration is using financial constraints to delay implementing a law passed by Parliament in 2024.
9 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
A total of 700 companies submitted notifications of intention to retrench workers to the Commissioner of Labour between January 2024 and May 2026, with 5,392 employees losing their jobs during that period, according to Minister Sesupo Rantsimako.
3 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
At a BPP leadership forum in Francistown, Molapise said the party's participation in the UDC remains critical, and that all affiliate parties should evaluate their contribution to the coalition, recommend policy changes, and review policies that are not delivering for citizens while maintaining their own organisational strength and political identity.
27 July 2026 · Mmegi →
A growing petition against Botswana's private healthcare taxation is challenging President Duma Boko's pledges on affordable healthcare and human rights, with campaigners warning the policy could reduce medical care affordability.
19 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Botswana National Front, Alliance for Progressives and Botswana People's Party plan to hold policy fora during the holiday period to scrutinise existing policies, debate their relevance and recommend changes. The discussions align with the UDC-led government's intention to review laws and regulations it believes hinder economic growth and public service delivery.
17 July 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana National Front, Alliance for Progressives, and Botswana People's Party plan to hold policy fora during the holiday period to scrutinise existing policies and recommend changes. The discussions align with the UDC-led government's stated intention to review laws and regulations it believes hinder economic growth.
17 July 2026 · Mmegi →
A fellow MP praises Minister Kelebeng for bringing youthful energy to Parliament and the sport and arts fraternity, crediting him with sponsoring three Bills including the Cinematography Bill, and overseeing the successful hosting of the World Relays. Kelebeng and his colleague met during opposition student activism at the University of Botswana.
7 July 2026 · Mmegi →
At a press conference, Balopi said the UDC government has failed to meet citizens' expectations since the 2024 election, with particular frustration over challenges in health and agriculture sectors. He contended the government has not adequately addressed public concerns about healthcare access and livestock farmers' welfare.
6 July 2026 · Mmegi →
The Alliance for the Future (AP), a UDC affiliate party, plans to hold a policy forum this month where members will review existing policies, assess their alignment with the UDC's policy agenda and Purple Vision, and hear presentations from AP ministers on sectoral policies.
3 July 2026 · Mmegi →
BPP secretary-general Mmatlha Sankoloba said the UDC's clean sweep of all by-elections held since assuming power demonstrates citizen confidence in the coalition government, countering narratives that Batswana have lost faith despite economic and socio-economic challenges.
29 June 2026 · Mmegi →
In the Tati by-election, the UDC won with 335 votes while the BDP came second with 299 votes. BDP Secretary General Kentse Rammidi said the party sees the result as a sign of gradual revival and rejected claims that the BDP has become politically irrelevant.
23 June 2026 · Mmegi →
In a by-election, the UDC candidate won 335 votes (37.6%) in Tati Siding, defeating the BDP's 299 votes (33.5%) and increasing the coalition's winning margin from one vote in the 2024 general election to 36 votes. The UDC gained 14 additional votes compared with the general election, demonstrating stronger voter confidence.
23 June 2026 · Mmegi →
Leadership wrangles have intensified following the removal of former council chairperson Kabo Ketshogile, triggering legal action. A BPF member has taken PDC and the Ministry of Local Government to court to challenge the minister's endorsement of Ketshogile as PDC chairperson, citing a dispute over councillor voting.
22 June 2026 · Mmegi →
Gaborone City Council Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng postponed council proceedings for 14 days over disagreements about his official speech, exposing deepening fractures within council operations and raising questions about leadership coordination and internal political cohesion.
19 June 2026 · Mmegi →