By Our Reporter,
KAMPALA
The Democratic Party (DP) President General, Hon. Nobert Mao has distanced self from speculations that their party is planning to form a coalition with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to field joint candidates at different elective positions in the 2026 elections.
Speaking to journalists at their party national mobilization offices along Balintuma road, Kampala, Mao said that DP has an independent cooperation agreement with the NRM not an alliance as it has been alleged by some people.
“DP has not merged with NRM, nor is it in a coalition or alliance. Cooperation does not mean abandoning our principles,” said Mao.
He added that DP will have candidates at all levels including the presidency explaining that they have potentials to maintain relevancy in Uganda’s political landscape as well as upholding to their democratic values.
The minister of justice and constitutional affairs further observed the need to identify capable and competent leaders who will represent the party at highest levels, including for the president.
“Before you elect a party leader, ask yourself, can that person be taken seriously at the table where national issues are discussed? Do they have the knowledge, international exposure, and political acumen to lead?” said Mao. “DP is not an NGO. Those who want to lead must have the willingness, interest, and capacity to run for president of Uganda.”
Mao noted that the party president is automatically the flagbearer in presidential elections.
However, Mao called for engagement with other political actors to avoid individuals who he termed as ‘political masqueraders’ that undermine meaningful discourse. He retaliated the need for national reconciliation before the 2026 general elections.
