Democratic Party (DP) President-General Norbert Mao has openly declared his support for President Yoweri Museveni’s 2026 re-election bid, saying he is neither “ashamed nor afraid” to back the ruling NRM candidate.
Mao said his decision reflects both personal conviction and the realities of DP’s cooperation with the NRM since 2022. That arrangement saw him appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“For the past two to three years, DP has worked in cooperation with the ruling NRM party. That engagement is ongoing, and new terms will be discussed for the next term of office,” Mao explained.
While some see his endorsement as the end of his presidential ambitions, Mao insisted he still hopes to lead Uganda in the future. For now, he said his focus is on strengthening DP’s grassroots structures and preparing for what he called a “transitional table” after Museveni.
Mao also brushed off criticism from opposition figures, including DP’s parliamentary leader Mathias Mpuuga, saying time would vindicate his position. He claimed some opposition leaders are also quietly considering backing Museveni “for the common good.”
His declaration follows confirmation from DP Vice President Fred Mukasa Mbidde that the party will not field a presidential candidate in 2026, instead focusing on parliamentary and local government races.
The cooperation pact signed between DP and NRM in 2022 covers justice, rule of law, peace, security, and economic development. With Mao’s endorsement and the party’s official stance, DP becomes one of the few opposition groups openly aligning with Museveni’s re-election campaign.
