Mao reveals manifesto  priorities

KAMPALA - The Democratic Party (DP) president general, Nobert Mao, has unveiled his manifesto, listing priorities for his new term of office.

Mao, who is also the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, was recently re-elected for a fourth term of office at the party's 12th national delegates’ conference in Mbarara. 

Amidst protests from his opponents, he secured 969 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Buikwe South MP Michael Lulume Bayiga, who got 339 votes. 

Elia Alicia came in third with only 52 votes.

Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala, who had vowed to unseat Mao, did not attend the National Delegates Conference after Kennedy Mutenyo, Chairperson of the DP Electoral Commission, declared his nomination invalid According to Mutenyo the legislator had not met the required minimum of five years as a registered party member — a key eligibility criterion for anyone vying for the party’s top seat.

Speaking during a weekly press conference at DP headquarters in Balintuma, Kampala, June 10 2025, Mao described his re-election as a credible, resounding victory.

He also called for national dialogue, reconciliation and inclusive politics.

After the win, Mao said that the party was “running at full speed” toward the next national election, with upcoming announcements expected on candidate selection and strategic rollout.

He attributed  his re-election to " the strength of their ideas, clarity of historical vision, grassroots engagement, rejection of divisive politics, and a candid focus on gaining power."

Mao took a swipe at his opponents, whom he said  focused their campaigns only in Kampala and engaged in what he termed “arrogant, tribal and chauvinistic politics.”

“While others rotated around Kampala, we were in the grassroots. We went beyond our traditional bases in Buganda and Catholic communities. DP is now national,” he declared.

The party he added also focused heavily on youth engagement, recognising the uncertainty many Ugandans feel about the country’s future after President Museveni.

“We won because we talked about power. I don’t want to be in opposition—I want to be in government,” he added.

Buganda must unite

George Kagimu, DP Vice President for Buganda region, acknowledged that the region returned from the conference divided, particularly after two Buganda candidates vied for the presidency.

“There was anger in Buganda, and we were divided. But Buganda is a vibrant region, and we can still take the lead,” he said.

He emphasised that with renewed focus and coordination, Buganda could reclaim its leadership role within the DP and in national politics.