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By Fred Mukasa Mbidde
The National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) has reached a significant decision at the Entebbe State House, approving the nominations of Rt Hon Oboth Oboth for Speaker and Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker. This pivotal resolution presents only two choices for our party president, Hon Nobert Mao: to withdraw from the race and safeguard his remaining credibility or to continue towards a certain defeat, risking not only personal embarrassment but also the reputation of our party.
Hon Mao finds himself in a challenging position, compounded by his recent transformation into a rigid and dogmatic figure, increasingly detached from collaborative political practices. It is essential to underscore that his prospects for success hinge on a fundamental miscalculation — believing that victory could be secured without a collective consensus, while disregarding the complexities of our political environment.
I wish to reiterate the guidance I have previously offered, based on my experience and the current political realities:
1. I have successfully won elections in this parliament *twice* while Hon Mao has not. Following my experienced counsel would undoubtedly be prudent.2. The Democratic Party (DP) holds only six parliamentary seats, necessitating Hon Mao’s candidacy to receive approval from His Excellency the NRM Chairman before any public announcement could be made.3. The timing of Hon Mao’s request for clearance coincided with the CEC’s consideration of the speakership, a critical deadline that he missed.4. Hon Mao misjudged the dynamics of the race by believing that eloquence and backing from social media would suffice, underestimating the sophisticated political landscape in which MPs operate.5. In a multiparty political environment, for Hon Mao to gain any traction with the NRM CEC, he would need a resolution from his party’s executive organ — which he currently lacks.6. His misunderstanding of the now-expired Cooperation Agreement within the DP has led to incorrect assumptions about coalition formations, excluding him from consideration by NRM.7. Hon Mao’s failure to negotiate effectively, even regarding the agreement he endorsed, reflects poorly on his leadership.8. It’s crucial to remember that our forefathers, like Rt Ben Kiwanuka and Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, pursued cooperation with governments not for personal ministerial gain, but for the collective benefit of the party.9. Historical examples, such as Rt Hon Ben Kiwanuka serving as Chief Justice during the Idi Amin regime, illustrate that cooperation can lead to significant roles without compromising party principles.10. In various governments, prominent figures from the DP have served alongside leaders from other parties, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in achieving national objectives rather than personal ambitions.Ben Kiwanuka served in Idi Amins Government with Mathius Ngobi and Sebalu .Dr Ssemogerere served in Lule ,Binaisa Lutwa and Museveni’s Governments interchangeably with Evaristo Nyanzi,Ssebana kizito ,Joseph Mulenga ,Robert kitariko,Ochaya,Obwangor,Mulema etc but on the contrary ,Hon Mao uses the agreement as table cartilery pick the next piece of meat ,almost akin to a job hunt.
In light of these historical comparisons, I urge Hon Nobert Mao to reconsider his approach to the current political landscape. A path toward withdrawal would restore credibility and allow for potential future engagements able to elevate the party rather than diminish it.
Let us reflect on our party’s legacy and strive for a political strategy that honors collaboration, mutual respect, and long-term vision for the benefit of all Ugandans.We have the duty to negotiate for the extension of the cooperation agreement as any future appointments without the extension are recipes for complications going forward
The writer, Hon. Dr. Fred Mukasa Mbidde Is Vice President, Democratic Party.
, https://www.spyuganda.com/op-ed-reflections-on-current-political-landscape-hon-nobert-maos-speakership-candidacy/
