DP chief Mao wife's bid for Kampala Lord mayoral seat sparks ticket battle

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Beatrice Nambi Mao, the wife of Democratic Party (DP) president general Norbert Mao, has picked forms expressing her interest in vying for the Kampala mayoral seat on the party ticket. If successful, Nambi is expected to be among those seeking to unseat Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Nambi was previously disqualified from running in the 2021 general election due to voter registration issues, which she claims have since been resolved. The party card at the time was then given to Charles James Ssenkubuge, who was defeated by Lukwago.

Nambi’s declaration on Tuesday afternoon (July 22, 2025) caused panic among supporters of Lukwago's closest challenger and DP loyalist John Bosco Kamoga, exposing the underlying tensions within the party under Mao’s influence through his political henchmen.

“I am here to bring development and change the face of Kampala city. As our living room, Kampala city is facing garbage collection challenges, poor drainage, bad roads and unemployment, and we need change,” Nambi revealed while speaking to the media shortly after picking forms.

"Women are go-getters and work hard, and when you elect me, you will not regret your decisions."

Nambi, a resident of Lubowa Estate, was born in Najjanankumbi I parish in Rubaga South, Kampala city's Rubaga division.

Kamoga challenges

DP loyalist, John Bosco Kamoga who is fighting for Kampala mayoral ticket with Mao's wife addressing the media at Balintuma Road DP offices. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

Her candidature has been met with both support and criticism within the party members, with some questioning her suitability role rather than being the wife of Mao, whose influence has kept growing after securing his fourth term ending in 2030.

“I have been an active DP member since my youthful days. I have been involved in all party activities including the ‘Togikwatako’ campaign that was against the change of Article 102(b) of the Constitution, which said no to the presidential age limit,” Kamoga insisted.

I do not believe that the party will give her the card and leave me when I have ably served it during the bad times, Kamoga said optimistically.

Kamoga, who started early campaigns, had already started erecting campaign posters in Kampala city, with Nambi yet to show her determination to take on the foot soldier. 

Kamoga seeks to advocate for hawkers' permits, address unfair ground rent taxation, as well as tackle the unfair and oppressive Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) enforcement team, who arrest women on the streets.

Criteria of choosing the Kampala mayoral flag bearer

According to DP party electoral management committee chairperson Kennedy Mutenyo, flag-bearers for the contested seats are voted by the 25-member delegates selected from five divisions of Kampala.

“There is no cause for alarm. Every district (division), according to the DP constitution, fronts five (5) delegates who include the district chairperson, youth chairperson, women chair and two other delegates per division to make a 25-member selection committee that votes who takes the card,” Mutenyo said.

"In DP, we are democratic and we are all subjected to competition to get quality leaders."

Party leadership's role

The DP leadership's role in the candidate selection process has come under scrutiny, with some members accusing Mao, who is also justice minister, of influencing the process in favour of his wife.

Julius Ddumba, a party supporter, said the party's internal dynamics will be put to the test as it navigates the contentious primaries issue, which seeks to resolve internal family rule within the party.

“The outcome of the primaries will have significant implications for the DP's prospects in Kampala. If Nambi emerges as the candidate, she will face an uphill battle in the general election, given the city's complex political landscape. On the other hand, if the loyalist wins the ticket, it could signal a shift in the party's direction and a potential challenge to Mao's leadership,” Ddumba observed.

Nambi has been campaigning actively, attending high-profile events like a Muslim Iftar dinner at her Kampala residence, where she declared her candidacy. Mao is reportedly backing her bid, having told party leaders that she will win the mayor's seat.

Among those nominated were Godwin Isaac Aisu, a second time contestant on Agule County in Pallisa district and Abiam Stephen Joseph Wakabi, the Buzaaya County MP in Kamuli district.