KAMPALA
Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao has dismissed the newly formed Democratic Alliance (DA), accusing it of merely repackaging DP’s political philosophy while some of its leaders allegedly benefit from funding by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mao questioned DA’s approach to Uganda’s political transition, describing its stance as extreme.
“They are extreme compared to DP because they are saying Museveni should lead without elections in the interim government.”
The Democratic Alliance was formed by politicians, many of them former members of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), the DP’s youth wing. Some of its key figures include Mathias Mpuuga, Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku, and Michael Mabikke—all known opposition leaders.
While DA positions itself as a force for radical political change, Mao claims some of its leaders have received financial support from NRM, using it to improve their lifestyles.
“Kabuleta left the Holy Alliance because he heard they got money from NRM. And now I see some of the DA leaders’ lifestyle change. One did a lavish wedding, Mukaaku is driving a posh car and bought a house.”
Joseph Kabuleta, leader of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) party, had previously been part of the Holy Alliance, a coalition of opposition groups. He later distanced himself, citing disagreements over leadership and strategy, rather than religious reasons.
