The Democratic Party (DP) President, Norbert Mao has criticized loose opposition talk about the DP-NRM Cooperation Agreement ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to Mao, the cooperation agreement he signed with Museveni in July 2022 is the only way to coordinate the constructive National Dialogue and the whole government’s response to constitutional reforms, something that the opposition has sought for decades.
“We are now in conversation as to what happens to the cooperation agreement beyond 2026. As you may know, the agreement is only for this term of parliament. It’s not open-ended,” Mao said.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the DP headquarters along Balintuma Road in Nankulabye, a Kampala suburb, Mao added that although some opposition politicians faulted him for signing the agreement, it was a result of very sober reflection.
“The majority of those criticising DP for engaging Museveni in preparation for a peaceful transition of power are doing so because DP boldly did what they were thinking about,” Mao said.
‘’If you don’t talk to those who disagree with you, that is not true reconciliation, and if you are sitting with those who only love, that is not even revolutionary, and those criticising us will eventually come where we are, ”he added.
Mao, who doubles as the current Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said that the problem with the opposition in Uganda is a lack of proper understanding.
“Why do you want to make yourself irrelevant in what is happening now while telling people that you wait until we have removed Museveni while you are earning a fat salary, driving fancy cars, and taking youths to the streets to demonstrate, and then you go back home to watch the news on TV and call that a struggle?’’ Mao asked.
Mao concluded by stating that no one would stop the DP from working with NRM, advising DP not to fear contradicting any person over what they think is the right channel to take power.
In the DP-NRM cooperation agreement, some clauses entitle Mao to a meeting with President Museveni every three months or as required to monitor progress against the areas of cooperation that are set out in the agreement.
