Beatrice Mao, wife to Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, has been declared the official flag bearer of the Democratic Party (DP) in the race for Kampala Lord Mayor, setting the stage for a potentially high-stakes political contest in the capital.
This follows the withdrawal of Kassim Kamoga, who had been her sole challenger in the party’s internal race.
Kamoga stepped down and endorsed Beatrice Mao, effectively clearing the path for her unopposed nomination.
With no contender left, the DP formally unveiled Beatrice Mao as its Kampala Lord Mayor aspirant, marking the party’s strategic entry into a race currently dominated by opposition figures, including incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda praised the internal consensus, describing Mao’s endorsement as a "unifying step" for the party’s ambitions in the city.
The development positions Ms Mao to challenge a crowded and politically charged field, with Kampala long seen as a stronghold of opposition support.
Beatrice Nambi (now Beatrice Mao) attempted to run for the Kampala Lord Mayor position in the 2021 general elections, but was subsequently disqualified by the Electoral Commission due to voter registration issues.
The Kampala Lord Mayor race is expected to draw widespread national attention ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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