Democratic Party (DP) President-General Norbert Mao has openly declared his support for President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 elections. Speaking on the eve of the presidential nominations, Mao said he is neither “ashamed nor afraid” to back the ruling NRM candidate.
Mao told the Nile Post that while the DP party will release an official statement, his personal decision is firm. “The party will make a statement, but as for me as Mao, I will back President Museveni for the next election. I’m not ashamed and afraid to say that,” he said.
He explained that his support for Museveni is grounded in both political strategy and the ongoing collaboration between DP and NRM since 2022. This partnership has enabled both parties to work together on key government projects.
Mao’s cooperation with NRM also earned him the position of Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. He said this arrangement is under review but will continue under revised terms after the 2026 elections.
“For the past two to three years, DP has been working with the ruling NRM party. That engagement is ongoing, and new terms will be discussed for the next term of office,” Mao added.
Although some interpret this move as signaling the end of Mao’s presidential ambitions, he insisted that he still plans to pursue leadership in the future. Currently, he is focused on strengthening DP’s grassroots structures to prepare for what he calls a “transitional table” after Museveni.
Mao addressed criticism from opposition figures, including DP parliamentary leader Mathias Mpuuga, who questioned his cooperation with NRM. He remained firm, asserting that time will validate the wisdom of his decision.
He also revealed that other opposition leaders are quietly considering supporting Museveni “for the common good,” suggesting that his endorsement reflects broader political calculations beyond his own party.
DP vice president Fred Mukasa Mbidde confirmed that the party will not field a presidential candidate in 2026, opting instead to concentrate on parliamentary and local government elections for better strategic outcomes.
The DP-NRM cooperation agreement, signed in July 2022, covers justice, rule of law, peace, security, and economic development. With Mao’s personal endorsement and the party’s support, DP becomes one of the few opposition groups openly backing Museveni, shaping Uganda’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.
