By KT Reporter
Democratic Party President Norbert Mao says the party is ready to welcome back members who defected but are now seeking to return. Speaking to journalists at the DP offices on Balintuma Road in Kampala, Mao revealed that several former members who joined the National Unity Platform (NUP) have been denied the party flag and are reaching out to reconcile before returning to the DP.
“We are announcing that we have become a beacon of hope, particularly to those who were mistreated. We’re now waiting to receive some of our prodigal children. Remember, we did not chase them; those who went to NUP, we said we will not run after prodigal children, because they know the way to home. We’re already receiving calls from those who the shrine never favoured,” Mao said.
He added: “We have told them that the Democratic Party is here for you; we will welcome you back like the prodigal son, and many of them are coming back because many of them trusted the shrine and it has disappointed them. Our doors are open to receive the refugees, so you can now call DP the Noah’s Ark for those who are fleeing the storm.”
Mao emphasized that returning members will be welcomed by all DP leaders, highlighting the party’s priority of uniting opposition forces for a stronger Uganda, rather than maintaining a divided opposition.
“Without unity, there is going to be two opposition political blocks: one called regime change fundamentalists, which includes NUP and PFF, the group that says Museveni must go. They have very strong slogans, but are slow on strategy. And then there’s us, who believe in constructive engagement with those in power today; we say, let’s discuss,” Mao noted.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has removed its regional and district leaders in Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja, and Greater Masaka, citing persistent defiance of party strategy. “The National Executive Committee has consumed all the powers of the branch leaderships from all those districts, because those branches are dysfunctional,” Mao said. “Those areas I mentioned have leaders who are rebellious to the party leadership, so we shall treat them as rebels.”
The DP has faced internal conflicts, particularly after its national delegates’ conference in Mbarara, where Mao was elected party president. Several members, including Dr. Lulume Bayiga, MP for Buikwe South, disputed the results, alleging rigging in Mao’s favor. This controversy led to some leaders leaving the party, while others remained, opposing Mao’s leadership and accusing him of selling the party to President Museveni.
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