By Dean Lubowa Saava
A heated debate erupted between Norbert Mao, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and President General of the Democratic Party (DP), and his deputy, Fred Mukasa Mbidde, at the DP conference in Soroti City.
The bone of contention was the controversial NRM-DP Cooperation Agreement signed in 2022.
Mbidde tabled a motion to terminate the agreement, citing the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) failure to honor its commitments.
He argued that despite the agreement, there has been no meaningful cooperation between the two parties, particularly on key issues like Uganda’s political transition, human rights, and electoral reforms.
Mbidde’s motion was met with resistance from Mao, who defended the agreement as a strategic move for long-term influence.
Mao emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation, stating that abandoning the agreement would be counterproductive.
The clash between Mao and Mbidde highlights the deep divisions within the DP regarding its relationship with the NRM. While some members, like Mbidde, believe that continuing the agreement undermines the party’s independence and credibility, others, like Mao, see it as an opportunity to shape government policies from within.
The fate of the NRM-DP Cooperation Agreement now hangs in the balance, with the National Council set to make a decision in June.
As the DP navigates this critical juncture, one thing is clear: the party’s future direction will have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s political landscape.
