Kampala — Norbert Mao has once again emerged victorious in the Democratic Party (DP) presidential race, securing a fourth term at the helm. He won with a decisive 969 votes, defeating his challengers Dr. Lulume Bayiga, who got 339 votes, and Alitia Elia, who trailed with 52.
While the numbers show a clear win, the road to Mao’s re-election has not been smooth. The election process was clouded by sharp divisions within the party and accusations of betrayal from long-time members.
Mao’s critics, particularly Dr. Bayiga, accused him of weakening the Democratic Party by aligning too closely with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Many in the opposition camp view his 2022 appointment as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs under President Yoweri Museveni as a sign that he has abandoned the DP’s ideals.
“For a man who once stood as a strong opposition figure, serving in Museveni’s cabinet raises serious questions about his loyalty to the party,” one party delegate said during the congress.
Some delegates also raised concerns about the fairness of the internal election, saying the playing field was not level. Allegations of favoritism and manipulation of party structures surfaced, although no formal complaints were filed.
In his post-election remarks, Mao dismissed the criticism and framed his collaboration with the NRM as a “patriotic decision” meant to influence reforms from within the system. He urged party members to set aside their differences and work together to revitalize the DP.
Despite the tensions, Mao now faces the task of uniting a fractured party, regaining public trust, and proving that the Democratic Party still has a place in Uganda’s political landscape.
