Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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A pressure group within the Democratic Party (DP) has strongly criticized party president Norbert Mao over his planned participation in a retreat organized by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
📸: Nile post Ug
However, Mao confirmed that he will attend the retreat after receiving an invitation from NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong. The retreat is scheduled to take place from April 7th to 15th, 2026, at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi District.
The retreat, which brings together top NRM leaders, serves as a platform to discuss governance priorities, policy direction, and party strategy.
The DP pressure group argues that Mao’s attendance undermines the identity and independence of the Democratic Party, raising concerns about the party’s commitment to its opposition role. They contend that such engagements blur political lines and risk eroding public trust in DP as an alternative voice in Uganda’s political landscape.
The group further maintains that Mao’s actions contradict the expectations of party members and supporters who view DP as a distinct entity separate from the ruling government. They warn that participation in NRM activities sends the wrong message about the party’s position and could weaken its credibility.
The criticism comes amid ongoing debate within the Democratic Party following Mao’s cooperation agreement with the NRM government, which has already sparked divisions among members. The pressure group is now calling for clearer accountability and a reaffirmation of the party’s core principles.
Mao has previously defended his engagement with the NRM, arguing that dialogue and cooperation are necessary for national unity and constructive governance.
The disagreement highlights deepening internal tensions within the Democratic Party, as members continue to grapple with the implications of working closely with the ruling establishment.
📸: Mao and Museveni sign cooperation Agreement in 2022- PML daily 📸
However, Mao confirmed that he will attend the retreat after receiving an invitation from NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong. The retreat is scheduled to take place from April 7th to 15th, 2026, at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi District.
The retreat, which brings together top NRM leaders, serves as a platform to discuss governance priorities, policy direction, and party strategy.
The DP pressure group argues that Mao’s attendance undermines the identity and independence of the Democratic Party, raising concerns about the party’s commitment to its opposition role. They contend that such engagements blur political lines and risk eroding public trust in DP as an alternative voice in Uganda’s political landscape.
The group further maintains that Mao’s actions contradict the expectations of party members and supporters who view DP as a distinct entity separate from the ruling government. They warn that participation in NRM activities sends the wrong message about the party’s position and could weaken its credibility.
The criticism comes amid ongoing debate within the Democratic Party following Mao’s cooperation agreement with the NRM government, which has already sparked divisions among members. The pressure group is now calling for clearer accountability and a reaffirmation of the party’s core principles.
Mao has previously defended his engagement with the NRM, arguing that dialogue and cooperation are necessary for national unity and constructive governance.
The disagreement highlights deepening internal tensions within the Democratic Party, as members continue to grapple with the implications of working closely with the ruling establishment.
📸: Mao and Museveni sign cooperation Agreement in 2022- PML daily 📸
