Addressing the media at the Democratic Party headquarters on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Mao said the party remains committed to its founding principles of truth and justice despite criticism and internal disagreements.
“We fight on principle. Our core principle is truth and justice,” Mao said, adding that members who lose confidence in the party should not blame the DP leadership for their personal decisions.
He cautioned party leaders, including Local Council I chairpersons reportedly considering independent bids, saying such a move would amount to abandoning the party.
“There is no return ticket to DP if you contest as an independent. You will have left the party.”
Mao also cited former DP members who moved to other political parties, arguing that many failed to achieve political success after leaving. He maintained that DP’s long history and institutional strength distinguish it from newer political formations.
“DP is a real political party. It’s not just some contraption,” he said.
He urged members to regain confidence in the party and actively promote its message ahead of upcoming political activities.
The DP President General also defended the party’s 2022 cooperation agreement with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), dismissing claims that the arrangement had compromised the party’s independence.
Using the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda as an example, Mao argued that cooperation between groups with different ideologies does not mean abandoning their identities or beliefs.
“Our cooperation agreement is like the arrangement of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda. People can work together on issues of common interest without abandoning what they believe in,” he explained.
Mao said the agreement has helped shift Uganda’s political conversation towards national dialogue and reconciliation, arguing that political parties must identify areas of common ground while maintaining ideological differences.
He noted that disagreements on issues such as federalism remain but should not prevent dialogue on areas where consensus can be achieved.
“We will continue championing national dialogue because Uganda needs national reconciliation,” he said.
Responding to criticism on social media regarding his role in government and expectations around political reforms, Mao said some critics continue to dismiss his leadership while also demanding that he comment on national issues.
He argued that meaningful political engagement should be based on principles rather than personal attacks against political leaders.
Mao further described the Democratic Party as “the conscience of Uganda,” saying the country’s oldest political party has historically stood against abuse of power.
Reflecting on the party’s past struggles, he recalled the killings and imprisonment of DP leaders during previous political conflicts, saying the party has endured significant sacrifices in the pursuit of democracy.
“There is nobody who can lecture DP on struggling for freedom and democracy,” Mao said. “The greatest threat to democracy is always abuse of power.”
The remarks come as political parties continue preparing for upcoming Local Council electoral activities, with internal party cohesion, candidate selection and political alliances expected to shape discussions ahead of the elections.