The Democratic Party (DP) has defended President Museveni’s victory in last week’s presidential election, saying the ruling NRM would not have secured the win without the support of their structures across the country.
Kennedy Mutenyo, the DP electoral commission chief, said party leaders and supporters deliberately mobilised for Museveni after the party chose not to field a presidential candidate, a decision anchored in a formal cooperation agreement with the NRM.
Speaking to Bbeg Media during an interview at Mengo in Kampala, Mutenyo said the party’s involvement went beyond symbolic support and included grassroots mobilisation in key areas.
“We want Ugandans to clearly understand that the Democratic Party played a significant role in the victory of President Museveni. We intentionally did not field a presidential candidate because we have a cooperation agreement with the NRM, and we fully supported the candidate we agreed on,” Mutenyo said.
Under the cooperation agreement signed between DP president general Norbert Mao and Museveni in 2022, the two parties committed to political collaboration, dialogue, and joint participation in governance.
The agreement also paved the way for Mao’s appointment as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Mutenyo said the agreement was based on shared policy positions, particularly on peace, stability, and gradual democratic reforms, which made it easier for DP supporters to rally behind Museveni. [WATCH VIDEO]
“Our manifesto is largely aligned with that of the NRM in areas of national unity, peace, and economic stability. That made it practically possible for us to mobilise Ugandans to support President Museveni,” he said.
He urged Ugandans to put national interests ahead of personal and partisan rivalries, arguing that cooperation rather than confrontation had historically helped Uganda navigate difficult political moments.
Mutenyo said DP’s history of dialogue, including its role in negotiations after the disputed elections of 1962 and 1980, demonstrated the party’s preference for peaceful engagement over political violence.
Turning to upcoming local government elections, Mutenyo called on voters to support DP candidates, saying the party had strong and practical manifestos focused on service delivery.
He endorsed DP flag bearer for Kampala lord mayor, Beatrice Mao, describing her as a competent and globally exposed leader capable of transforming the city.
He cited her proposal to expand free public wifi, promote inclusive leadership, and attract international partnerships, drawing on her experience working with Microsoft UK and her connections within government.
Mutenyo criticised incumbent lord mayor Erias Lukwago for what he described as a failure to address key challenges facing Kampala, including garbage collection, poor sewage management, and high taxation on vendors.
He said Lukwago’s leadership had been weakened by “excessive politicisation of City Hall.”
Mutenyo also dismissed National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Ronald Balimwezo, saying he lacked a clear plan for the city.
