Ugandan opposition leader and Justice Minister, Norbert Mao, has ignited debate after revealing details of confidential discussions regarding the country’s future leadership. Mao said that while Bobi Wine is free to voice his frustrations, negotiations are ongoing with President Museveni about transferring power to another politician.
“Let Bobi Wine cry if he wants, for us, we are talking with Museveni about transferring power to another politician besides him,” Mao told reporters, emphasizing that neither NUP nor Bobi Wine are included in these talks.
Mao described Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) as “toxic” in political circles. “His politics has poison, and politics is not like that. So Bobi Wine and his party cannot be trusted with power,” he added, explaining why NUP is being sidelined.
He further revealed that the transition of power will not follow the ballot box as many citizens might assume. Instead, it is being determined through negotiations in “special rooms,” involving multiple political parties and leaders.
Mao listed some of the parties involved in these talks, including the Democratic Party, Democratic Front of Mpuuga, National Resistance Movement (NRM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), JEEMA, People’s Labour Union (PLU) of Gen Muhoozi, and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
According to Mao, these groups are working together to identify a leader capable of succeeding President Museveni. The goal, he says, is to ensure a smooth transition without what he terms “toxic politics.”
Despite the controversial remarks, Mao stressed that Bobi Wine’s feelings are irrelevant to the process. “Bobi Wine can cry all he likes, but we are in talks with Museveni to give power to any politician apart from NUP,” he said.
Mao’s statements have shocked many opposition supporters, who feel that excluding NUP undermines democratic principles. He defended the decision, arguing that political strategy and alliances matter more than popular sentiment.
Observers note that Mao’s revelations expose a secretive side of Uganda’s political negotiations. The exclusion of NUP and inclusion of select parties suggest a carefully planned power-sharing strategy among chosen political groups.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear who will eventually lead Uganda after Museveni. For now, Mao insists the process is ongoing behind closed doors, leaving NUP on the outside looking in.
