By Dean Lubowa Saava
Newly elected Democratic Party (DP) President General Norbert Mao has expressed uncertainty about contesting against President Museveni in the 2026 presidential elections. Despite being elected as the party’s president general, Mao says he needs to make thorough consultations to guide his decision.
According to Kennedy Mutenyu, DP Electoral Commission chairperson, Mao’s election as president general automatically means he will carry the party’s ticket to contest for president. However, Mao insists that he has not made up his mind and will consult widely before making a decision.
This publication of TV10ganomazima can exclusively report that despite Mao’s claims of considering a presidential bid, sources within DP suggest that he is actually focused on contesting for Member of Parliament in the upcoming elections. Insiders reveal that the party has plans to support President Museveni’s re-election bid and will not field candidates in some constituencies.
Insiders revealed to TV10 Gano Mazima that in a recent meeting with Gen Salim Saleh and DP leadership in Gulu, an agreement was reached to continue the cooperation between DP and NRM. A senior DP leader disclosed that Mao and his team are working closely with NRM to ensure the agreement is executed in the coming government.
As TV10 Gano Mazima we can authoritatively report that, Mao’s national deputy president, Fred Mukasa Mbidde, is reportedly set to be appointed as a minister in the incoming government. Other DP officials, including Kiwanuka Mayambala and George Kagimu, are also expected to benefit from the cooperation agreement.
However, Mao is said to be anxious about internal party conflicts that could jeopardize his plans. To address this, he has tasked Kagimu with leading talks with party leaders and members from Buganda to resolve their differences.
Kagimu is reportedly organizing a meeting with DP leaders from Buganda to strategize on how to resolve internal disagreements before the 2026 general elections. The meeting aims to address concerns raised by party members from Buganda, who feel marginalized by Mao’s leadership.
Meanwhile, sources suggest that top government officials are aware of Mao’s plans and are working to undermine him. Richard Ssebamala, a DP legislator, is reportedly being funded by two top government officials to campaign against Mao and frustrate his political dealings with Museveni.
Mao has denied allegations that he is being used by Museveni to oust Anita Among as Speaker of Parliament. However, sources claim that he has been lobbying for the position, despite other members of the Deep State pushing for Defense senior minister Jacob Oboth Oboth to replace Among.
The article also reveals that President Museveni is likely to retain Jessica Alupo as his Vice President, while Mao may be appointed as Prime Minister to replace Robinah Nabbanja. However, this would require Museveni to save Matia Kasaija as the senior Minister of Finance.
Ssebamala has formed a pressure group, DP Greater Again, with the aim of making DP ungovernable for Mao and forcing him to surrender power. When asked about the alleged funding from government officials, Ssebamala denied the allegations, claiming that he funded his campaign himself.
Intelligence sources have taken an interest in Ssebamala’s funding, claiming that he used over Shs6bn in his campaign against Mao.
