The Democratic Party (DP) President, Norbert Mao, has confirmed that he will attend the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retreat scheduled for this week at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
Mao’s participation follows the signing of a cooperation agreement between the DP and the NRM, as well as his subsequent appointment as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“I confirm that I will be participating in the Leaders’ Retreat for the NRM Parliamentary Caucus from April 7 to 15, 2026, at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi District. I thank our sister party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), for the kind invitation,” Mao said.
His attendance comes amid his bid for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, where he is expected to face off with the incumbent Speaker, Anita Annet Among.
In July 2022, the DP signed a cooperation agreement with the ruling NRM. The agreement was endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni and Mao.
Under the arrangement, Mao was appointed minister, while the DP was to be backed for representation in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The agreement also provided for one DP Member of Parliament to chair a parliamentary committee, with other members appointed to various government agencies.
Mao was further tasked with coordinating the national dialogue process and overseeing the government’s response to constitutional reforms, including aligning budget proposals within the Justice, Law and Order Sector.
While the cooperation marked a new development in Uganda’s political landscape, similar arrangements are not uncommon globally. However, the partnership has drawn criticism from opposition figures, who accuse Mao of aligning with the ruling party to undermine efforts to unseat President Museveni.
“I want to assure you that I briefed the Management Committee, and I am proud that nothing leaked for one full year. I am very proud of the Democratic Party Management Committee. It has 11 members, and I chair it as President. The organ meets every Wednesday,” Mao said earlier at the DP headquarters.
The former Gulu District Chairman noted that the national dialogue aims to bring together diverse stakeholders to build consensus on peaceful coexistence.
“National dialogue will allow the building blocks of Uganda to come together and craft a new consensus on how we can live together in peace. You can live peacefully with people you don’t like,” he said.
He distinguished the initiative from the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), which has faced criticism in the past.
“National dialogue is different from IPOD, where we are accused of taking tea and bribes. This one is national. I don’t think you can bribe 45 million Ugandans,” he added.
Mao also argued that being part of government enables direct engagement with decision-makers rather than relying on public platforms.
“Being in government means you no longer have to speak through press conferences or shout on radios because you have the opportunity to talk to decision-makers. It will be our duty to make recommendations to the President of Uganda,” he said.
“President Museveni is not known for signing agreements with civilians. I know he signs with armed groups, but what does Mao have? I don’t even have a kitchen knife or an army,” he added.
story by Daily star Uganda
 President, Norbert Mao, has confirmed that he will attend the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retreat scheduled for this week at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.){kind=link}