Mao Defends Leadership Amid Schism, Rejects Resignation Claims

Norbert Mao rejects calls for his resignation as DP president, attacking former members like Erias Lukwago as the worst mayor Kampala has had and calling those who left DP for NUP “political comedians,” while defending his leadership and political alliances.

Norbert Mao, president of the Democratic Party (DP), has strongly dismissed any suggestions that he would step down from his leadership position as tensions within the party intensify.

Speaking at a news briefing in Kampala on Tuesday, Mao labelled those leaving the party as "losers" and reaffirmed his commitment to leading DP, stating, "I will offer myself again to lead DP."

His leadership, which began in 2010 after he succeeded John Ssebaana Kizito, has faced significant internal resistance, with several prominent figures exiting the party over disagreements with Mao’s direction.

Mao’s tenure has seen key party members, including Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze and Nyendo Mukungwe legislator Mathias Mpuuga, join rival opposition parties, with Mpuuga ultimately helping to found the Democratic Alliance (DA) after falling out with the National Unity Platform.

"They went to NUP and now it also doesn't want them. They are political comedians," he said.

Mao did not directly reference Mpuuga or other former youth leaders like Michael Mabikke, but he was particularly scathing towards Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, accusing him of opportunism after switching from DP to FDC and then to Kizza Besigye-led news political organisation People's Front for Transition.

"Lukwago was here. He fought Ssebaana, then went to FDC and now he was elected president of PFF," he said.

"Lukwago is the worst mayor Kampala has ever had."

Despite these departures, Mao defended his leadership as necessary during Uganda’s turbulent political times, pointing out that his role as justice and constitutional affairs minister following the 2022 cooperation agreement with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was part of a broader strategy.

His critics argue that the alliance benefits only Mao and a few close allies, but he countered this by highlighting how previous DP leaders, such as Paul Ssemogerere, had engaged with political rivals like the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) to unite against President Museveni.

Mao also addressed ongoing controversies, including the divisive "Lumu Bill," which proposes changes to the selection of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

While Mao claimed the bill was backed by the NRM, he also pointed out the ruling party had distanced itself from it, adding to the political tension.

He stood firm on his position, asserting, "If you don’t believe in constructive engagement, then you don’t belong in DP."

This stance underscores his determination to remain at the helm despite increasing opposition within the party.