The Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao has made a bold and strategic move by appointing his deputy, Hon. Mukasa Mbidde as his campaign manager ahead of the party’s highly anticipated internal elections.
The announcement, made during a press briefing in Kampala has ignited both applause and skepticism within political circles, as the DP braces for one of its most defining leadership contests in years.
As Uganda inches towards the 2026 general elections, political party realignments are accelerating and for the Democratic Party one of Uganda’s oldest political entities, the question of continuity against change is key.
By choosing Mbidde, a long-serving vice president of DP, Mao is adding on loyalty, strategy and survival.
“Mao has passed the test. My job now is to make sure he returns as party president,” Mbidde declared confidently.
Norbert Mao has been serving as DP President since 2010 and he is known for his expressiveness, legal background and controversial decision to join President Museveni’s cabinet as Minister of Justice.
Meanwhile Mukasa Mbidde known as strategic person, he is considered both a reformist and party traditionalist. His closeness to Mao has raised eyebrows but also inspired confidence.
This power duo is now spearheading what insiders are calling “Project Continuity” a campaign to cement Mao’s leadership and steer the DP towards a more government-collaborative direction.
While Mbidde’s appointment may seem like an internal party affair, the political hints are hard to ignore. Critics, especially within the opposition and DP youth wing, have labeled the move as “blatantly autocratic”, arguing that the party has become “a one-man empire” under Mao.
“This isn’t a party election; it’s a coronation. And Mbidde is just the crown bearer,” a DP youth member commented on X.
However, others see the appointment as a strategic opportunity bringing together seasoned political minds to navigate stormy waters, especially after DP’s coalition with the ruling NRM party sparked internal fractures.
Mao’s partnership with President Museveni remains a lingering sore point among opposition diehards. His continued leadership of the DP, especially with Mbidde now spearheading his campaign, signals a long-term vision aligned more with influence inside the system than defiance outside it.
To the opposition camp, this appointment may further distance Mao from the likes of Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), Dr. Kizza Besigye and other politicians. But to DP loyalists, this could be the leadership stability they crave in a chaotic political season.
Ugandan politics rarely offers dull moments, and with Mbidde now fully in charge of Mao’s campaign machinery, all eyes turn to how he plans to repackage Mao’s legacy, not just to the party but to the country at large.
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