Democratic Alliance’s Efforts to Engage with DP Spark Controversy

This criticism arises from the DA's National Coordinator, Mathias Mpuuga, seeking an audience with DP’s leadership, headed by President General Norbert Mao.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been warned against engaging in meaningful cooperation with the Democratic Party (DP) leadership, which has been accused of betraying its members by aligning with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) regime.

This criticism arises from the DA's National Coordinator, Mathias Mpuuga, seeking an audience with DP’s leadership, headed by President General Norbert Mao.

This initiative, aimed at discussing electoral reforms and a potential transition in Uganda, has drawn criticism from various quarters, including former DP members who accuse Mao of betraying the party by cooperating with the ruling government.

One of the most vocal critics is Sam Muyizzi, the former legal advisor of DP, who insists that Mao must issue a public apology to party members.

“DP President General Norbert Mao must apologize to their members for betraying them,” Muyizzi said.

He also cautioned Mpuuga to approach the idea of cooperating with Mao’s DP with caution unless the engagement is grounded in solid political principles rather than mere convenience.

According to Muyizzi, engaging with a party accused of siding with a dictatorship risks compromising the integrity of DA's foundational values.

The DA's letter requesting a meeting was swiftly met with disapproval from DP leadership. Gerald Siranda, DP’s Secretary-General, confirmed that the party demanded an apology from DA for past criticisms, including derogatory remarks such as referring to Mao as a “pumpkin.”

Siranda noted that such comments deeply offended DP members, particularly given the lingering tensions over Mao’s cooperation with the government.

Critics argue that Mpuuga’s decision to engage with Mao risks reigniting old divisions.

Lubega Mukaaku, a principal figure in DA, acknowledged the complexities of this interaction, emphasizing that the move should be viewed as part of a broader effort to unify democratic forces.

"We believe in joint action and cooperation to yield great benefits for all democracy and change-seeking formations,” Mukaaku said.

However, questions remain as to whether this cooperation can succeed without reopening the political fractures that caused many to leave DP.

The situation is further complicated by Mao’s political positioning.

“You enter into a cooperation agreement with the current leadership of DP, and by extension, you would have cooperated with the dictator,” Muyizzi remarked, suggesting that working with Mao’s DP could be seen as endorsing the very regime that opposition parties have long opposed.

Mao, however, expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that discussions should focus on political principles rather than transactional deals.

“If it’s about talking to all of us, chatting, discussing national issues, then I understand,” Mao said, adding that the conversation should prioritize creating a broad platform for democracy over individual or party interests.

In a pointed critique, Mao also suggested that DA’s past rhetoric against DP must change for the two groups to cooperate effectively.

“The rhetoric should change... the arsenals should be pointing at one opponent, but look at each other well,” he advised, stressing the importance of unity among opposition forces.