Mbidde Opposes NRM Cooperation Agreement

The Democratic Party (DP) is facing deepening internal divisions as some members challenge the party’s continued cooperation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The ongoing tensions have been fueled by outspoken party figure Fred Mukasa Mbidde’s opposition to renewing the agreement, a stance that analysts warn could further weaken the country’s oldest political party.

The rift comes as DP’s National Council convenes in Soroti to discuss, among other things, the party’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NRM.

While DP President Norbert Mao remains optimistic about the benefits of the cooperation agreement, some party members have expressed growing discontent.

Mbidde, a long-time Mao ally, has publicly opposed renewing the agreement, arguing that it no longer serves the party’s interests.

His stance signals a significant shift that could shake the foundation of DP’s alliance with NRM.

To political analyst Isaac Atukunda, DP’s cooperation with NRM, which dates back to 1986, has mainly benefited Mao and his close associates.

“With Mao’s right-hand man, Mbidde, now turning against his boss, DP should be cautious about making risky political moves, especially as the country heads towards the 2026 general elections,” Atukunda said.

Mao, who was appointed Minister for Constitutional Affairs after signing the agreement with President Museveni in 2022, remains committed to the cooperation, insisting that it has strengthened DP’s influence in government.

However, some of his party colleagues disagree. Buikwe MP Lulume Bayiga, former DP legal advisor Sam Muyizzi, and former DP member Lutamaguzi have criticized the party’s continued ties with NRM, accusing Mao of failing to unite the party.

“Mao has failed to reconcile the party. Instead, he is holding onto power by benefiting from the NRM regime,” said Muyizzi.

Lulume Bayiga echoed similar sentiments, saying, “DP’s cooperation with NRM has caused more harm than good. Some of us see no value in continuing this marriage.”

On the other hand, some political players have accused the disgruntled DP members of exercising selfish interests and double standards, arguing that their opposition is driven by personal political ambitions rather than the party’s welfare.

Despite the growing opposition within DP, the government has downplayed concerns about the alliance’s impact on the party’s independence.

State Minister for National Guidance Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku defended the DP-NRM cooperation, saying it does not threaten DP’s existence as a political entity.

“DP has not been swallowed by NRM. Coalitions between political parties are normal and healthy in a democracy,” Kabbyanga said.

The DP-NRM cooperation agreement, signed after the 2021 general elections, secured Mao a cabinet position and saw Gerald Siranda seconded as Uganda’s representative to the East African Legislative Assembly.

However, with increasing internal resistance, the future of this arrangement remains uncertain.

As DP members deliberate in Soroti, the party faces a defining moment. Whether Mao can hold the party together or if Mbidde’s opposition will spark an exodus remains to be seen.

With the 2026 elections on the horizon, DP’s next steps could determine its political survival.