Tensions are rising within the Democratic Party as its cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement approaches expiry in May 2026, with senior officials questioning unmet commitments and calling for a review of the pact.
The Democratic Party (DP) is at a critical juncture as its cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) approaches expiration on May 12, 2026.
The agreement, which brought DP President General Norbert Mao into Cabinet and secured a seat for Secretary General Dr. Gerald Siranda at the East African Legislative Assembly, was intended to promote political dialogue, support reforms, and encourage peaceful political engagement.
However, discontent is growing within DP ranks over what members describe as unfulfilled commitments.
DP Vice President Fred Mukasa Mbidde criticized the ruling party for failing to honour most of the agreed objectives. “We were supposed to have review meetings between us and NRM, but that has never happened. We remain peeping from the window,” Mbidde said.
Party elder Wasswa Lule echoed similar frustrations, citing a lack of transparency and unmet expectations. “You can’t imagine the agreement was hidden away from party members. They were supposed to employ some of our members, but that didn’t happen,” Lule stated.
With trust between the two parties waning, Mbidde said the moment of truth has arrived, calling for either a reset or a complete rethink of the arrangement.
“If we agree to continue, we should now form a coalition or merger. That would put Mao and Yoweri Museveni on the same level, like in other East African countries,” he added.
As May 12 approaches, the future of the DP–NRM alliance remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from deeper power-sharing to a complete collapse of the agreement amid rising internal pressure within DP.
