The Democratic Party (DP) president general and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao has asked Ugandans to shun acts of lawlessness and political activism as an alternative to bring the long-anticipated transition that seeks to usher in a new Uganda.

In his Christmas and End of Year message during a weekly press conference at City House in Kampala, Mao challenged Ugandans to keep focused on hope and renewal of societal values which works for the restoration of the rule of law and constitutionalism in the country.

Quoting the biblical verse, Isaiah 9:6-7, Mao in his message delivered by the acting party spokesperson, Ismail Kiirya, emphasised the promise of Jesus Christ's birth and its significance for bringing peace and justice in the world.

DP Vice President, Fred Mukasa Mbidde, DP President General Norbert Mao and DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda at DP Headquarters.

“Christmas should remind us that a New Uganda is possible. But the blessings of Christmas come with a huge responsibility - a responsibility to love and care for our country. Leaders come and go but Uganda remains! Our responsibility is to put the national interest at the centre of our actions,” he said.

Mao highlighted the challenges faced by Uganda, including corruption, illegal detentions, and human rights abuses, and called for a commitment to unchanging values and the Constitution.

“I want you to use the Christmas festival to do constructive engagement and I propose a national dialogue, agenda for national reconciliation, constitutional reforms, and a three-phase transition plan towards a peaceful transition,” he added.

Mao acknowledges the scepticism surrounding the DP’s proposals but argues that Christianity has not failed, rather it has not been fully applied.

“Put the national interest at the centre of actions to unlock the blessings promised by Jesus Christ's birth through applying His teachings throughout the festivity period,” he noted.

Christmas is about a commitment to unchanging values and we should trust in a constitution as a guiding star towards shaping society and change, he revealed.

DP – NRM cooperation agreement intact amidst City House Fire

Following last week’s fire that left one person dead and property worth millions destroyed, the DP offices at City House survived the inferno.

“To our party members over there, we want to report to you that our office was not affected so much by fire except water from the fire brigade which entered inside the office,” he said.

However, normal business has started at our party headquarters and we have put everything for now.

“Our DP – NRM cooperation agreement we signed with the National Resistance Movement government and President Yoweri Museveni at State House is still intact and we are moving on well,” he disclosed.

There were fears that the oldest opposition party’s property was destroyed in fire when City House caught fire which the police later arrested with many inquiries and investigations following, according to Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson.