Focus on Fixing Your Troubled Marriage with NRM, DF Tells Minister Mao

By Kabuye Ronald

The Democratic Front (DF) party has called on Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao who also serves as President of the Democratic Party (DP) to stop spreading misinformation and instead focus on strengthening his alliance with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

DF’s sharp response follows remarks made by Minister Mao earlier this week, in which he claimed that several opposition parties, including DP, Jeema, DF, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), are working collaboratively with the NRM to ensure a peaceful transition of power.

In a press conference held at DF’s headquarters in Namirembe, Kampala, the party’s spokesperson, Moses Kasibante, categorically denied any formal or informal cooperation between DF and the NRM.

“Minister Mao is entangled in confusion and is dodging critical questions surrounding the Democratic Party’s alliance with the NRM. Instead of addressing these issues, he’s resorting to dragging other parties into his mess,” Kasibante told journalists.

He emphasized that the Democratic Front remains committed to its independent agenda, which includes advocating for electoral and political reforms, mobilizing support for a national dialogue, and pushing for a peaceful transfer of power not aligning with the ruling regime.

Kasibante urged Mao to concentrate on managing DP’s internal issues and its alliance with the NRM, rather than making “unfounded accusations and engaging in blackmail for personal political survival.”

DF’s statement was issued on the sidelines of its ongoing nomination exercise. Two party members, Adelaide Nakitende, vying for Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament, and Fatima Nansubuga, contesting for the Kawempe South MP seat were officially nominated.

Speaking after her nomination, Nansubuga, a former National Unity Platform (NUP) activist who recently joined DF, said the country must move away from “excitement-driven politics” and return to issue-based leadership focused on real change.

Nakitende echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Kampala residents have endured years of neglect and poor representation. “I am here to be the voice and solution for the long-suffering people of Kampala,” she declared.