In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and renewed purpose, Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao and his deputy, Fred Mukasa Mbidde, came together on April 29th to plant fresh pumpkin seeds—turning a once-divisive political metaphor into a sign of growth and unity.
The act, simple yet deeply symbolic, marks the mending of a strained relationship between the two leaders. During the 2021 general elections, Mao had famously referred to Mukono legislator Betty Nambooze as a “watermelon”—a metaphor suggesting she appeared green (opposition) on the outside but was yellow (NRM-aligned) on the inside. In response, Nambooze described Mao as a “pumpkin,” sparking a public and symbolic war of words.
Fast forward to April 2025, and the imagery has shifted. Mao and Mbidde stood side by side, shoulder to shoulder, as they planted the very symbol once used to attack them.
“What was between me and my deputy was a principled disagreement,” Mao told the press. “We have been talking to the Vice President,” he added, as Mbidde nodded in agreement. “We have agreed that the priority now is the Delegates Conference. The leadership of the party must be able to make decisions despite our differences.”
Mao went further to commend his deputy, applauding Mbidde’s honesty and critical thinking. “I don’t want a robot,” he said. “I want someone who will say, ‘Mr. President, that is wrong.’ I’m happy to have someone like Mbidde—who is always guiding me without necessarily being a yes-man.”
Describing Mbidde not as an obstacle but as a “necessary voice of reason” within the Democratic Party, Mao made it clear that their unity is not about suppressing dissent, but embracing it for the sake of party strength and democratic values.
The event marks more than just personal reconciliation; it signals a revitalized Democratic Party preparing to reassert its role in Uganda’s political landscape. With the upcoming Delegates Conference on the horizon, the unified front between Mao and Mbidde sends a strong message: that principled disagreements can lead to stronger leadership, not division.
As the newly planted pumpkin seeds take root, so too does a renewed commitment to collaboration and constructive dialogue within the party—planting hope for a more united and focused DP.
