“I call upon members who have challenges in the party and those with different views to attend the retreat to present all their views and challenges. Here we dont fear different views because we have the brains to resolve issues,” Mao said.
"I see people on social media saying that I promised them a transition and asking how it has not happened. Firstly, you don't believe in me. You don't believe in cooperation, yet at the same time you ask, 'Why are you not doing this?’ During the speakership race, you saw that NRM said that I'm not NRM. I think the speakership race answered that big question," Mao noted.
On September 2, 2024, Jimmy Akena announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2026 general elections. His pronouncement marked the end of a 15-year electoral cycle without UPC's presence on the national presidential ballot paper.