Democratic Party (DP) President General Norbert Mao has hailed the party’s just-concluded national delegates conference in Mbarara City as a major success, despite what he described as minor disruptions by familiar individuals.

Speaking at a press briefing on June 10, 2025, at the DP headquarters on Balintuma Road in Rubaga, Mao, who also serves as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said the conference achieved its key objective of electing a new party leadership.

“The purpose of the conference was to elect a new DP leadership, and the delegates made their decision. I can confirm that we now have a new team to lead us into the future,” Mao said.

He called for reconciliation among members, urging those whose preferred candidates were unsuccessful to return and engage constructively in the party’s internal processes.

“To those who lost, please come back home. Let’s regroup and work together. We all share a responsibility to rebuild and shape a united front,” Mao said.

He added that the party had already reached out to key leaders such as Dr Lulume Bayigga and Engineer Richard Ssebamala, along with their supporters, to emphasize unity and shared identity.

“We have already reached out to leaders like Dr Lulume Bayigga and Engineer Richard Ssebamala and their supporters, and we have a test to prove that we are DP and we are one,” Mao added.

George Kagimu, DP president for the Buganda region, echoed the call for unity, noting that Buganda had presented two presidential candidates in the Mbarara race who both lost. He admitted the region returned fractured and urged leaders to resolve internal tensions.

“After Mbarara, Buganda was deeply divided. There was anger and disappointment. But now is the time to settle those disputes and rebuild. I believe we can reorganize and reassert Buganda’s leadership in the DP,” Kagimu said.

He also appealed to the national leadership to support Buganda-based candidates, especially through financial backing, to boost their chances in competitive races.

“Buganda always provides over 70% of the total number of DP-nominated candidates for different leadership positions, and today, if we do a quick selection of leaders in Buganda and give them priority and support them financially, then we stand a high chance of getting more leaders,” Kagimu added.

The National Delegates Conference, held from May 30 to June 2, 2025, attracted over 1,500 delegates from across the country. Mao was re-elected as DP president for another five-year term, earning 969 votes out of the 1,360 cast. His closest challenger, Buikwe South MP Dr. Lulume Bayigga Michael, secured 339 votes, while Elia Alitia, the outgoing Vice President for Northern Uganda, trailed with 52 votes.

Mao’s victory automatically makes him the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections.