By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, the future of the cooperation agreement between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Democratic Party (DP) remains uncertain.
The agreement, signed in July 2022 by DP President Norbert Mao and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, witnessed by NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong and DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda, was intended to promote constitutionalism, respect for human rights, and a peaceful transition of power.
However, since its inception, many DP members have criticized the deal, arguing that Mao failed to consult the party before signing.
Speaking on NBS Television’s The Eagle show on Sunday, DP Deputy President for Central Region and former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde revealed internal disagreements within the party. He noted that dissenting voices are increasingly advocating for the agreement’s termination.
“We offered the NRM our engine, Norbert Mao, to help them start their bus on the journey to transition, but unfortunately, the engine has not been given an opportunity,” Mbidde remarked.
He accused the NRM of betraying the DP by failing to fulfill the agreement’s objectives, which has prompted a reconsideration of the partnership.
On Tuesday, DP Acting Spokesperson Ismail Kiirya addressed the issue during a press briefing, stating that the decision to renew or cancel the agreement will depend on party members once internal elections are concluded.
“The agreement has a time frame and is soon expiring. Whether it is renewed or not will depend on the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC), which is yet to convene, or the next president and secretary general of the party,” Kiirya explained.
The DP is currently preparing for restructuring, during which it will elect new leaders from the grassroots to the national level. These leaders will guide the party’s agenda and represent it in the 2026 elections.
Kiirya urged party members to actively participate in the restructuring process, emphasizing that their choices will shape the party’s future direction, including the fate of the agreement.
“The power lies in your hands. The decisions from the National Delegates Conference will reflect the will of those who participate. Let’s set aside past disagreements and focus on renewing our leadership,” he said.
While acknowledging internal conflicts, Kiirya expressed confidence that these would be resolved through the restructuring exercise. He also dismissed claims that the agreement was designed to secure positions for President Mao and Secretary General Siranda.
Previously, DP President Nobert Mao said there are plans to extend the agreement beyond 2026 saying that the time remaining is limited to achieve the objectives of the partnership.
