Soroti, Uganda – Democratic Party (DP) president Norbert Mao is facing increasing internal resistance as party delegates question the viability of the controversial cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
During a tense National Council meeting in Soroti City, DP leaders and grassroots members expressed frustration over the party’s dwindling political influence, with many blaming the 2022 agreement for alienating supporters and weakening DP’s role as an opposition force.
The deal, signed on July 20, 2022, between Mao and President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe, saw Mao appointed as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs. While Mao has defended the agreement as a pragmatic approach to governance, critics within DP argue that it has turned the country’s oldest political party into an appendage of the NRM.
“DP has lost its identity,” said one delegate from central Uganda. “Our supporters feel betrayed, and our numbers keep shrinking in elections. This so-called cooperation is killing the party.”
Mao, however, sought to allay fears, insisting that the agreement remains under the control of the DP National Council and can be reviewed or even terminated within a month if members deem it necessary.
“DP is not for sale, and I cannot sell it,” he declared. “The National Council has the power to assess this agreement. If it does not serve our interests, we have the option to reconsider.”
Despite these assurances, the meeting exposed deep cracks within DP. Several members voiced concern that the party’s once formidable opposition status had been compromised, making it harder to challenge the NRM’s grip on power. Others questioned Mao’s personal commitment to DP’s survival, accusing him of prioritizing his ministerial role over party interests.
“The problem is that Mao enjoys the benefits of the agreement while DP suffers politically,” another delegate argued. “How can we prepare for the next elections when our leadership is aligned with the government we are supposed to challenge?”
Mao, in response, defended his approach as one of constructive engagement rather than confrontation. He emphasized that DP must champion political dialogue and reforms instead of fueling divisions.
“Our mission is to revive the politics of ideas,” he said. “Violence and hostility will not build Uganda. We must engage where necessary and fight for democratic space from within.”
With the National Council expected to review the agreement soon, Mao’s leadership is at a crossroads. If dissent continues to grow, he could face an internal rebellion that might push for the pact’s termination or even challenge his hold on the party.
As the meeting concluded, Mao called for unity, urging members to focus on strengthening party structures and mobilizing ahead of upcoming elections. However, with DP’s internal divisions widening, the future of its cooperation with NRM—and the party’s overall survival—remains in question.
