Norbert Mao urges foot soldiers to respect NUP leaders over IPOD decision

• Mao praised NUP’s decision to rejoin IPOD as a sign of political maturity.

• He urged NUP supporters to trust their leaders and avoid ridicule.

• He likened the move to a fresh start—embracing unity over hostility.

The President of the Democratic Party (DP) and Chairperson of the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD), Hon. Norbert Mao, has urged supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP)—commonly known as foot soldiers—to stop attacking their party leaders over the decision to rejoin IPOD.

The NUP leadership has faced public backlash, including from some of its own supporters, for revising its earlier position and applying to rejoin IPOD. However, Mao applauded the move, saying it demonstrates maturity and a willingness to engage in constructive political dialogue.

“Leadership means making tough decisions, even when your followers don’t understand them immediately,” Mao said. “Let your leaders lead—don’t harass the hands reaching out for dialogue.”

Mao, who also serves as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, expressed delight that the Bobi Wine–led party has opened its doors to IPOD, an organization aimed at fostering cooperation among political parties and guiding Uganda toward a peaceful political transition.

He noted that he had once vowed to kneel down and plead with NUP to return to IPOD, but now feels relieved that the party has “made his work easier.” Mao also acknowledged NUP’s massive grassroots support and said their participation would make the platform stronger and more inclusive.

Drawing from his own experience, Mao revealed that when he decided to work with President Museveni, he too faced ridicule and criticism. Nonetheless, he maintains that his partnership with government has yielded tangible results and broadened his understanding of leadership and governance.

“Even when I joined government, I was mocked. But today, I can point to real contributions. Let’s not insult those who choose to take a different route to the same destination,” he said.

Mao added that NUP’s involvement in IPOD will be a major boost for Uganda’s political dialogue, describing it as a “turning point for cooperation over confrontation.”

Using a religious analogy, Mao likened NUP’s move to that of a former witch doctor converting to Christianity, saying the convert should be embraced, not reminded of the past.

He concluded with a light-hearted jab, referencing Alien Skin’s popular hit Kapati, saying NUP might have realized they had “read the signpost wrongly” and have now decided to take the right path.

“Sometimes, wisdom means turning back to read the signpost again—and that’s exactly what NUP has done,” Mao said with a smile