The secretaries general of the Opposition Democratic Party (DP) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) are scheduled to meet next week to assess the progress of their cooperative efforts. The collaboration agreement, signed on July 20, 2022, aimed at sharing political power and supporting each other’s governance agenda for the full parliamentary term (2021-2026). DP’s Norbert Mao, who also serves as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, emphasized the need for a comprehensive review, marking one and a half years since the agreement’s inception.
The upcoming meeting between DP and NRM secretaries general is set to delve into the institutional arrangements stipulated in the cooperation agreement. Notably, the discussion will include the establishment of a joint secretariat for the agreement’s implementation, a crucial aspect still pending. Mao highlighted the significance of formal documentation, emphasizing DP’s preference for structured agreements rather than informal arrangements. Administrative aspects and the involvement of DP members in government programs will also be central to the meeting’s agenda.
Mao underscored the importance of assessing progress based on the signed document, expressing concerns about reported NRM leaders’ unilateral involvement in decision-making. The meeting aims to set a schedule for regular discussions among key leaders, ensuring DP’s active participation in the State’s affairs. Additionally, the leaders will address matters related to upcoming elections, emphasizing the strategic goal of securing a majority vote for effective governance.
Despite authenticity concerns raised by DP leaders, Mao asserted the party’s sincerity in the cooperation agreement and urged reciprocal sincerity from the NRM. He revealed plans to strategically invest in constituencies where DP performed strongly in the previous elections, positioning DP as the preferred party in areas where NRM lags behind. However, Mao emphasized that DP would maintain its distinct identity, participating independently in the 2026 General Election.
Reflecting on the challenging negotiations with President Museveni, Mao expressed satisfaction with the written agreement, recalling the year-long vacancy in the office of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. He acknowledged the duty of secretaries general to drive the agreement’s agenda forward, underlining the temporary nature of the cooperation until the end of the current parliamentary term.
