Democratic Party to Review Cooperation Agreement with NRM Amid Declining Popularity

Kampala, Uganda – March 7, 2025

The President General of the Democratic Party (DP), Hon. Norbert Mao, has announced plans to review the party’s cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), acknowledging growing concerns over DP’s diminishing influence in Uganda’s political landscape.

Mao, who also serves as the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, admitted that the party has lost significant ground in recent elections, with many members and supporters accusing him of "selling" the party to President Yoweri Museveni. Critics argue that DP, once a dominant force in Ugandan politics, has faded due to internal greed and leadership decisions that alienated its grassroots base.

Declining Influence and Internal Wrangles

The Democratic Party, Uganda’s oldest political party, was once the most popular opposition force, particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, over the years, the party has struggled with internal divisions, defections, and diminishing electoral success. Many supporters believe that DP’s alliance with the NRM, formalized in 2022, weakened its credibility as an opposition party, leading to voter apathy and loss of confidence in its leadership.

“People say I sold the party to Museveni, yet the reality is that the DP was already struggling due to selfish interests within its ranks,” Mao stated during a recent press briefing. “However, we acknowledge the concerns of our supporters, and that is why we are reviewing our cooperation agreement with the NRM to assess its impact and the way forward.”

Calls for Reform and Rebuilding

The announcement has sparked debate within DP circles, with some members calling for an outright withdrawal from the agreement, while others advocate for a renegotiation to secure tangible benefits for the party and its members. Analysts argue that for DP to regain its former glory, it must rebuild its structures, address internal corruption, and reconnect with its grassroots supporters.

Political observers note that Mao’s decision to join Museveni’s government in 2022 was a turning point that alienated many loyal DP supporters, who viewed it as a betrayal. The party has since performed poorly in elections, losing key seats in Parliament and local government.

As DP embarks on a review of its agreement with the NRM, the outcome will likely determine its political future. Will the party regain its lost influence, or will it continue its downward spiral? Only time will tell.