During the Democratic Party’s (DPs) first press conference in 2024, which took place on January 9, 2024, at the party headquarters in City House, Kampala, the party President Norbert Mao warned Ugandans against situational political parties and their leaders.

Mao urged that Ugandans should be taught what it takes to run a state like Uganda with a tough neighbourhood in the Great Lakes region, stating that one should be wise enough in his or her decision-making.

“Uganda is bordered by mostly countries at war, like DR Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, and others. We deserve a president who can run such a state because it’s not the red beret to lead but rather what is under the red beret,” he said.

Mao added that the party has come up with possible ways of bringing change to Uganda, stating that change does not mean that Museveni should be out but rather a change of “Musevenism.”

“Before ousting General Museveni, we should first destroy the machine that he built for over 40 years and also change the mindsets of Ugandans who are waiting for their preferred presidential candidates to become presidents.” He added

The party came up with plans for 2024, saying that it’s going to be a significant year for the Democratic Party. The party plans to invest more in constituents where they once were leaders, remain committed to nonviolence, and speak against human rights abuse and high corruption in the country.