DP president Norbert Mao endorses Museveni for 2026 presidential race

• Norbert Mao, DP president and Justice Minister, declares his personal support for Museveni in 2026 elections.
• His remarks fuel debate, with critics pointing to his ties to Museveni since his 2022 ministerial appointment.
• DP will not field a presidential candidate but instead focus on parliamentary and local government races.

The president of the Democratic Party (DP) and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon Norbert Mao has openly declared his personal support for President Yoweri Museveni in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.

Mao who has previously contested for the presidency three times said that while the DP as a party has not yet taken a formal position, his own choice is clear.

“As a party, we have decided that we will discuss that. But if you are asking me as Norbert Mao, I would back President Museveni. I’m not afraid to say that, though the party I lead must also pronounce itself officially, which it will do in due course,” Mao said.

Apparently Mao’s remarks have quickly stirred debate both inside and outside the DP. Many people contend that his appointment as Justice Minister in 2022 was already controversial, with critics arguing it tied him too closely to Museveni’s ruling NRM government.

Therefore his latest statement is now being viewed as further evidence of growing cooperation between Mao and the President.

Meanwhile Mao also stressed that the DP is still holding internal consultations and will eventually make a collective decision on its official stance ahead of 2026. His statement, however, suggests that the party could be leaning toward aligning with Museveni’s re-election bid.

Mao also previously said that the DP won’t be fielding a presidential candidate. They will instead focus on the parliamentary and local government levels.