Pader District, Uganda – The Minister for Constitutional Affairs and President of the Democratic Party (DP), Hon. Norbert Mao, has urged the people of Pader to elect kind, peaceful, and disciplined leaders—particularly at the district level.
Speaking at a homecoming ceremony on Saturday, June 21, held at Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa Catholic Church in Pader Town, Mao emphasized the need for visionary leadership, calling on voters to elect an LCV chairperson who is “pro-people” and committed to diligent service.
Mao recounted his own rise to leadership as Guild President of Makerere University during his youth, attributing it not to luck, but to merit and capability. Now aged 58, he cautioned voters against being swayed by handouts such as salt and money during campaigns, urging them instead to focus on candidates with integrity and long-term vision.
“We cannot expect real change through elections alone,” Mao stated, “especially when it comes to the presidency. A genuine transition must come through negotiation.”
Mao’s remarks were made during a welcome ceremony for Pader Urban Council III Chairperson, Kilama Fearless—popularly known as “Kilama Mayor”—who was recently released from Kitgum Government Prison after spending nearly three years in detention for inciting violence during the July 2021 protests against COVID-19 restrictions.
Thousands of supporters turned out to welcome Kilama, marching with him from Paiula to Pader Town Council in a jubilant procession that swept through the streets.
Mao criticized Pader LCV Chairperson Rtd. Col. Fearless Obwoya for allegedly blocking the public from accessing Mayor’s Garden, which had been designated as the venue for the ceremony.
Referring to Kilama’s imprisonment, Mao expressed solidarity with those who have suffered unjustly:
“I will not forget people like Peter Oloya (Yumbe) of Palabek, who died in prison, and others who suffered in detention.”
He added poetically, “I am like a matchbox with only one matchstick left—it must be handled carefully.”
Mao also urged the youth to avoid the misuse of platforms like YouTube and TikTok to insult leaders and instead called for civic responsibility and constructive dialogue:
“Let us transform Acholiland into a palace of peace, like Noah’s ark.”
He further called for stronger support of the Democratic Party during political seasons and discouraged internal sabotage. Mao emphasized that civic education and unity are key to Uganda’s democratic future and urged the people of Pader to vote for DP candidates in the 2026 general elections.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders, including Hon. Akena Alfred (former Pader LCV Chairman), Oringa Largo Geoffrey (also a former Pader LCV Chairman), Lakop Florence, Ben Acelam Kizito from Omoro District, local market vendors, and various stakeholders.
Minister Mao assured Kilama Fearless that he would resume office and be entitled to all his unpaid salary arrears.
