In a surprising political development, General Salim Saleh, senior official and chief coordinator of the government’s Operation Wealth Creation program, addressed the Democratic Party (DP) National Executive Committee (NEC) during a meeting in Gulu District yesterday. He urged greater cooperation between the opposition DP and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The meeting, held at Coopil village in Unyama sub-county, saw Gen Saleh—also known as Caleb Akandwanaho—call on DP leaders to work with the NRM in transitioning Uganda toward a stronger, wealth-driven economy.
“Let us focus on wealth creation and economic issues,” said Gen Saleh. “Some of the political matters are beyond my expertise. You are the masters of politics. I was given a difficult task for the last ten years—to reach people who have never handled money.”
He applauded DP’s historical contributions to Uganda’s economic reform agenda, specifically crediting party president Norbert Mao for promoting principles rooted in the DP manifesto.
“Sixty percent of what you advocated was rejected by UPC in the past, but your intellectuals helped shape economic adjustment policies,” Saleh added. “Let’s organize better—you in politics, and we implementers seeking peace.”
However, the general also warned against divisive rhetoric from opposition politicians, cautioning that “empty politics” could unsettle national stability and make the work of security agencies more difficult.
DP President Norbert Mao described the upcoming DP Delegates Conference in Mbarara, set for this Friday, as a crucial opportunity to address the party’s ongoing internal strife.
“We’ll discuss our differences with NRM honestly,” Mao said. “On economic issues, we largely agree—but politics complicate matters. Ugandans feel the political ground is unsettled, and everyone is scrambling.”
In a move that surprised many, Mao extended a formal invitation to Gen Saleh to attend the Mbarara conference. Saleh, visibly taken aback, responded:
“I’m very shocked to be given this opportunity. NRM has never allowed me this platform. I don’t know your plans, but I hope I have behaved well. I wish you the best at your conference, and we’ll be in touch with the winners soon.”
The meeting marks a historic first—never before has a top NRM official been invited to speak at a DP national executive meeting.
The Mbarara conference will also mark Mao’s bid for a fourth term as DP president, a candidacy under pressure from growing internal opposition. Critics accuse him of compromising party principles by aligning too closely with the NRM, particularly after signing a cooperation agreement in 2022 that earned him a Cabinet post and secured government positions for several DP members.
This alliance has fueled division within DP, leading to defections—especially to the rising National Unity Platform (NUP). While Deputy President Fred Mukasa Mbidde has advocated ending the cooperation, the party has denied any intent to formally merge with NRM before the 2026 elections.
DP NEC member Fred Oyonga defended the engagement with Gen Saleh:
“Many people meet Gen Saleh secretly but pretend otherwise publicly. We want to work with those we disagree with—on common ground and in good faith.”
However, the move drew sharp criticism from others within the party. Bayigga Lulume denounced the meeting as evidence of Mao’s alleged betrayal:
“Today’s meeting confirms what we’ve long said—Mao’s group has sold out DP. The people will hold him accountable in Mbarara.”
As DP heads into what could be a make-or-break conference, the spotlight is firmly on how this unprecedented outreach to the NRM—represented by Gen Saleh—will shape the party’s future direction and its complex relationship with the ruling government.
