DP pushes for dialogue between NRM and the opposition
Mar 15, 2016
We need national reconciliation and correcting what has gone wrong. It should not only be between Museveni and Besigye. It should include all stakeholders - Mao
The Democratic Party is pushing for a national dialogue between the NRM government, the opposition and other stakeholders to forge a way forward for the country following the election.
Addressing the party's weekly press conference on Tuesday in Kampala, DP president general Norbert Mao said, "We have a big dispute resulting from the last election. As DP, we support the proposal for dialogue. It must represent Ugandans coming together to craft a better future."
Arguing that there is a lot of mistrust between the opposition and the NRM government, Mao said the dialogue necessitates trusted mediators and an agenda agreed upon by all stakeholders.
"We need national reconciliation and correcting what has gone wrong. It should not only be between Museveni and Besigye. It should include all stakeholders. There are many volatile issues which need to be addressed."
Asked why he doesn't resign after most of his executive leaders lost, Mao said, "It is only those who are short sighted that are calling for my resignation. During my reign, DP has been able to win political seats outside Buganda which was not the case during the time of my predecessor."
Most of the top DP leaders in Mao's executive who include the chairman Mohamed Kezaala, treasurer Isa Kikungwe, general secretary Mathias Nsubuga, organising secretary Sulaiman Kidandala and Spokesman Paul Kenneth Kakande lost elections.