Co-operation agreement with NRM dead—DP pressure group

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The Democratic Party (DP) is experiencing a significant internal shift as a section of its members say the 42-clause co-operation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is dead. The development follows its alleged expiry on May 11, 2026, a day to the swearing in ceremony of President Yoweri Museveni for a new term of office.

The agreement, signed by DP president general Norbert Mao in July 2022, was criticised for allegedly lacking party endorsement and serving individual interests. 

In a statement released on May 11, 2026, DP members under their pressure group dubbed ‘DP at Heart’, led by Julius Dumba, accused Mao of failing to deliver on promises, including ministerial positions and genuine political dialogue, and instead prioritising personal gains.

“The time for pretence is over. The agreement you signed without consulting the party structures you swore to serve has expired,” Dumba said.

Democratic Party member Julius Dumba jubilate after the expiry of cooperation agreement calling for the party reset ahead of five years. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

You cannot continue to eat from both sides of the table. If your heart now lies with the NRM “eating club,” as you yourself have been seen to do, then have the courage and integrity to resign from the leadership of the DP and formally cross the floor, Dumba added.

“The DP belongs to its members, not to any one individual. The era of using the oldest opposition party in Uganda as a stepping stone for selfish and personal political survival is finished,” he threatened.

Calls for Mao's resignation

Edith Byanyima, the daughter of longest-serving former DP National chairperson Boniface Byanyima, demanded Mao’s resignation as party leader to officially move to NRM and compete with Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among as an NRM member.

“The party’s organisational foundations appear to have weakened, and this is reflected in declining co-ordination, limited engagement and increasing disengagement among members. I am happy that the cooperation has ended and Mao should now become an official NRM member and leave us to organise DP,” she said.

We shall organise and work with other disgruntled DP leaders, including DP secretary general Gerald Siranda and DP vice-president Mukasa Mbidde, who have been declared ‘political enemies’ to push Mao out of the party now that the co-operation agreement has ended, Byanyima insisted.

“We demand Mao's resignation. “This is our moment. The expiry of this illegitimate agreement is not a defeat, it's a liberation,” Byanyima said.

Byanyima added that they have launched a nationwide campaign to reclaim, rebuild, and restore the party.

“We plan to hold a genuine Delegates Conference, reflecting the will of members, and offer Ugandans a genuine alternative to the ruling party,” she threatened.

The party has a rich history, having fought for independence in 1962 and stood for social justice and the rule of law since its formation in 1952.

Strategic partnership

Mao, who is also the justice minister, has defended the agreement, stating it's a strategic partnership that benefits the party and the country stating that the cooperation has helped de-escalate tensions and allowed DP to influence governance decisions.

“The co-operation will be renewed at the right time after swearing in ceremony because the government to sign with has not yet been fully constituted until such ceremonies are done. No cause for alarm,” Mao assured.

Mao adds that the culture of the current politics in Uganda needs a mindset shift to focus more on dialogue than hatred fuelling political pressure groups.

“We will renew it on better terms than the existing one because we have been discussing internally between two parties,” he confirmed.

The Constitutional Court upheld the agreement, ruling it doesn't violate Uganda's Constitution with the DP and NRM in talks to renew the agreement beyond 2026.