Mao Accuses Democratic Alliance of Copying DP Ideas, Taking NRM Money
Norbert Mao alleged that some Democratic Alliance leaders benefited from NRM funds, citing lavish spending.
Democratic Party (DP) president Norbert Mao has dismissed the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a mere imitation of DP’s political philosophy while accusing some of its leaders of benefiting financially from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Speaking at a news briefing on Tuesday, Mao claimed that DA had simply repackaged long-held DP positions.
"They are extreme compared to DP because they are saying Museveni should lead without elections in the interim government," he said, questioning their stance on Uganda’s political transition.
The Democratic Alliance was formed by a group of politicians, many of them former DP youth leaders under the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) banner.
Among its key figures are Mathias Mpuuga, Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku, and Michael Mabikke, who have all been involved in opposition politics for years. DA has presented itself as a force for radical change, challenging both the ruling party and the mainstream opposition.
Mao linked DA leaders to NRM financing, alleging that some had used the funds to upgrade their lifestyles.
"Kabuleta left the Holy Alliance because he heard they got money from NRM. And now I see some of the DA leaders’ lifestyle change. One did a lavish wedding, Mukaaku is driving a posh car and bought a house. So the NRM can do anything, but also the receiver is willing," he remarked.
Joseph Kabuleta, the president of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) party, was previously part of the Holy Alliance, a political coalition that sought to unite opposition voices.
He later distanced himself from the group, citing internal disagreements over leadership and political direction.
His departure had no connection to religious differences but rather stemmed from concerns over the coalition’s strategic direction and internal operations.
Mao’s remarks are likely to deepen tensions within the opposition, where accusations of infiltration and internal power struggles have become common.
As DA positions itself as an alternative to Uganda’s mainstream opposition, the scrutiny over its funding sources and ideological foundation is likely to intensify.
