Mao unveils DP’s 2026 manifesto to flag-bearers
Addressing DP flag-bearers on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at DP headquarters on Balintuma Road in Kampala city, Mao outlined 45 million dreams as a simple guide for a new covenant that shall usher in a new Uganda.
DP President General Nobert Mao and party flag bearers outlining the new party manifesto for the 2026 elections at the party headquarters on Balintuma Road, Kampala, on Tuesday. (Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)
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Democratic Party (DP) president general Norbert Mao has unveiled the party's 2026 manifesto to flag-bearers who were selected to represent the 70-year-old party in the 2026 General Elections.
Mao, who expressed interest in contesting as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Loroo-Pece constituency in Gulu district, unveiled the manifesto outlining the DP's vision and plans to tackle pressing national issues, including national dialogue for transition, education, healthcare, poverty, agriculture and infrastructure.
“I am here to give out the DP national agenda and manifesto to party flag bearers who seek to represent DP in all corners of Uganda with a message of hope and reconciliation,” Mao, who is also the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said.
"In our new manifesto, we shall advocate for a government of national unity as a basis for peaceful transition to break the cycle of violent changes of government," he added.
“Under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), we are set to hold consultations to convene an extraordinary summit to discuss the possibility of forming a national unity government to discuss post-President Yoweri Museveni era because he is aged and we need a clear plan for his exit,” Mao insisted.
Addressing DP flag-bearers on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at DP headquarters on Balintuma Road in Kampala city, Mao outlined 45 million dreams as a simple guide for a new covenant that shall usher in a new Uganda.
We shall have a new constitution resulting from a negotiated Uganda in which all parts that constitute 16 regions of Uganda feel included as equal shareholders from Ankore, Toro, Bugisu, Kigezi, Buganda, Busoga, Karamoja, West Nile and the northern region, among others, he noted.
“DP shall establish a national truth and reconciliation commission to deal with historical grievances and foster national healing,” he said.
According to Mao, the DP shall establish a stolen assets recovery tribunal to deal with national assets corruptly grabbed under the pretext of privatization, land and assets grabbed by the rich, powerful and well-connected Ugandans.
“We shall introduce a conditional cash transfer programme targeting poor families, like enrolling their children in schools, abandoning alcoholism and drug abuse, getting regular checkups or vaccination for their children,” he said.
In the field of health, DP promises to introduce a national health service anchored by a national health insurance scheme where children below five years and senior citizens shall get free medical care at public health facilities that are now enjoyed under private wings in government facilities.
“DP shall reduce the cost of electricity by dealing with cutthroat profiteering in the sector. How can we have all the power and dams but keep exporting power to other countries when our people have never been connected on the national grid and are suffering?” Mao wondered.
We shall enact a war victims compensation act to oversee the fair and transparent compensation of war victims, unlike the current system, which is discriminatory and is based on patronage.
Mao emphasised the importance of unity among party members, stressing that the DP is a party of peace that engages in peaceful dialogue with the Government through the DP-NRM collaboration. He urged all party members to rally behind the manifesto and work collectively towards achieving the party's goals.
Mao also outlined the party's plans for grassroots mobilization, including recruiting a million supporters countrywide and building structures in each village to enhance local engagement.
“The party is also brainstorming financial mobilization strategies to support its campaigns.”
Mao urged all party members to work together to achieve the DP's goals and promote a better future for Uganda.
He emphasized that the party's success depends on the collective efforts of its members and supporters.