A pressure group within the Democratic Party (DP) has raised strong concerns over plans by party president Norbert Mao to attend a retreat organized by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), warning that the move could weaken the party’s independence.
In a statement issued on April 7, 2026, DP at Heart said it had formally notified Yoweri Museveni—in his dual role as Head of State and NRM chairman—about what it described as a “grave constitutional and political concern.
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The group said it had received reports indicating that Mao intends to engage with NRM leadership and participate in the party’s caucus—an internal decision-making platform.
“The NRM caucus is an internal partisan organ of the ruling party, not a national platform for opposition participation,” the statement read.
“Any attempt by the DP leader to seek entry into this forum is irregular, unacceptable, and a direct affront to the independence of our Party.
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DP at Heart emphasized that Mao does not have the mandate of party members, delegates, or stakeholders to take part in another party’s internal structures.
It described any such move as “personal and unilateral.
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“Hon.
Norbert Mao has no mandate from the members, delegates, or stakeholders of the Democratic Party to engage in or participate in the internal structures of the NRM,” the group stated.
The pressure group further clarified that if Mao proceeds with attending the retreat, he should be viewed as acting in his individual capacity—not as leader of the party.
“If Hon.
Norbert Mao is attending the NRM caucus, he is not attending on behalf of the Democratic Party but on his own behalf,” it added.
The group also firmly rejected any suggestion of political alignment between DP and NRM, stressing that the party remains independent and cannot be absorbed or informally integrated into the ruling party’s system.
“The Democratic Party is not available for absorption, alignment, or informal integration into the NRM machinery,” the statement said.
Calling for transparency, DP at Heart warned against informal political dealings that could erode public trust.
“Any engagement between political parties must occur through transparent and formal channels, not personal arrangements that undermine public trust,” the group noted.
Reaffirming its position, the group declared that the independence of the Democratic Party is “non-negotiable” and urged members and supporters to remain vigilant in defending the party’s founding values.
Meanwhile, Mao confirmed that he will attend the upcoming Leaders’ Retreat organized for NRM parliamentary caucuses.
The retreat is scheduled to take place from April 7 to April 15 at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi District.
“I confirm that I’ll be participating in the Leaders’ Retreat for the NRM Parliamentary Caucuses… I thank our sister party NRM for the kind invitation,” Mao said.
Such invitations to opposition leaders are rare in Uganda’s political landscape, which is often marked by sharp divisions.
Observers say the move could signal an attempt at cross-party dialogue, though critics argue it risks blurring political lines.
Ahead of the retreat, NRM Members of Parliament and allied legislators gathered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for verification, accreditation, and health checks.
The Kyankwanzi retreat, a longstanding tradition within the ruling party, aims to orient legislators for their roles in the 12th Parliament while aligning leadership on policy direction and national priorities, including efforts to transform Uganda into a higher middle-income economy.
