Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao has been re-elected for a fourth term, extending his leadership of Uganda’s oldest political party.
The announcement was made following the party’s national delegates’ conference held recently, where Mao secured overwhelming support from party members.
In his inaugural address, Mao stirred debate with a controversial take on opposition politics in Uganda.
“I really get shocked when I listen to people being proud to be in Opposition. The fact that you’re opposition means that you have been beaten,” Mao said, challenging the widespread narrative that positions opposition status as a badge of honor.
The remarks have since sparked mixed reactions, with some critics accusing Mao of downplaying the importance of resistance politics, while his supporters praise him for advocating strategic engagement rather than perpetual opposition.
Mao, who has led the DP since 2010, emphasized unity and political maturity in his address, calling on Ugandans to focus on building strong institutions rather than glorifying division.
He pledged to steer the party toward meaningful dialogue and policy-driven politics, even as it operates within a competitive and often polarized political landscape.