A section of legislators from the opposition Democratic Party (DP) against the administration of Justice and Constitutional Minister Norbert Mao have renewed their demand for his resignation from the top leadership.

On Monday, July 24, 2023, the faction led by Dr. Michael Phillip Lulume Bayigga, Member of Parliament for Buikwe South,  addressed a press conference at Parliament following a strongly worded President Museveni’s letter of congratulations to the Minister on Saturday during his “Homecoming” ceremony held at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City.

In his letter, President Museveni welcomed Minister Mao to the ruling National Resistance Movement.

Lulume said Museveni’s statement welcoming Minister Mao officially into the NRM vindicated their previous claims, in which they were ridiculed by many quarters of the elite.

He emphasized that Mao should now step down from his position as the DP president’s General after being officially welcomed into the NRM by the national chairman, Museveni.

“When we talked about DP not having an agreement with Museveni, people ridiculed us. President Museveni is very careful here; he welcomed an individual to the NRM, his minister Mao,” said Dr. Lulume.

MP Richard Sebamala of Bukoto Central asked Minister Mao to live the life of a gentleman and formally hand over the DP leadership to them.

“I thank the President of Uganda for welcoming Mao. We are determined to protect our party; we are here to stay,” said Sebamala.

During the ceremony, Minister Mao thanked the NRM government for accepting to work with other opposition parties to guarantee an accommodative transition for all.