DP president general Norbert Mao has attacked the National Unity Platform saying no one knows what the party stands for.
Addressing journalists today, Mao claimed that NUP has a “fake constitution” describing their candidates as “genetically modified” because they are selected by a small committee of people.
“NUP would have been deregistered by now. Nobody knows what they stand for, only what they stand against,” he said.
Mao’s attack on NUP stemmed from a series of questions pointing out DP’s weaknesses. In response, Mao said the press had paid little attention to happenings in other parties like NUP.
Mao expressed sadness over opposition members who take pride in being in opposition and even quarrel among themselves, questioning how such division could be a point of pride.
He extended an olive branch to his critics within the party, inviting them to work together to rebuild Uganda’s oldest political party, emphasizing that the time has come for defeated leaders from the recent delegates’ conference to return and help strengthen the party.
“We are extending a hand of friendship to all unhappy comrades to come and work together, despite ideological differences, and play our part in politics,” Mao said.
He urged those who lost elections at the recent Mbarara delegates’ conference to accept defeat in the interest of party unity and focus on building the Democratic Party. Mao shared that he, too, has experienced both victories and losses in elections but never lost hope.
He invited opponents, such as Buikwe South legislator Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga and Richard Sebamala from Bukoto Central, to return and work on strengthening the party ahead of the 2026 elections.
“I know how painful it is to lose an election, but it’s not the end,” Mao said, adding that his opponents are “too big to cry” and that he understands their pain.
He described his team as “doers” and referred to his opponents as “reactionaries and commentators.”
Mao expressed gratitude to the new team that emerged victorious at the Mbarara conference, introducing George William Kagimu as the new Deputy President for the Buganda region, Sarah Adongo as the new Leader of the Women’s League and Joseph Wakabi to represent the Busoga region.
Ssabayunga Nsubuga Kenneth is the deputy Legal Advisor, Nakibuule Hajara is head of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), Kasirye Zimula Geoffrey, and Okoler Opio Lo Amamu as spokesperson.
He reiterated that those opposing his team were engaging in “surface politics” and urged them to move beyond their historical base.
“In fact, our opponents were our campaign managers,” he quipped.
Mao boasted that DP’s politics are deeply rooted and focused on fundamental issues facing Ugandans. He credited his victory to targeting a specific age group and delivering a compelling message on power.
Mao reminded Ugandans that DP has the most capable leaders. Adongo, the new Women’s League president, pledged to design women’s development projects, fight for empowerment, and protect women against sexual abuse.
Kagimu, the deputy president for the Buganda , called for unity and reconciliation among party critics, urging them to use internal mechanisms to resolve grievances rather than bickering.
“I have already reached out to the camp of Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga and Eng. Richard Sebamala to return home and help us build the party,” Kagimu said.
On the issue of renewing the cooperation agreement between the party and the government, Mao said the matter would be discussed collectively to evaluate its previous benefits and determine whether it should be renewed.
