Democratic Party (DP) President General Norbert Mao has set an ambitious target of securing 50 parliamentary seats in Uganda’s 12th Parliament come 2026.
Mao made the declaration after navigating a turbulent re-election at the DP’s 12th National Delegates Conference, which concluded on June 2, 2025, at the Asamar Hotel in Ruti, Mbarara City.
The Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister clinched the top spot with 969 votes, outpacing Buikwe South MP Dr. Micheal Lulume Bayiga, who garnered 339 votes, and Elia Alitia with 52.
The results were officially announced by DP Electoral Commission’s Kennedy Mutenyu just before 8 p.m.
In another closely watched race, Gerald Siranda, Uganda’s representative to the regional parliament, defended his role as secretary general with 870 votes, defeating challenger Ismael Kirya, who received 312.
Mukasa Mbidde retained his position as deputy president general unopposed, while Babirye Kabanda held on to her post as party treasurer.
During the conference, Mutenyu pointed out several issues, including alleged threats and accusations that the party had been “sold out”—rumors he dismissed while emphasizing the commission’s transparency.
Mao, acknowledging the heavy toll of leadership, described himself as being “surrounded by enemies” and carrying the weight of the party “on his shoulders.”
Yet, he remained defiant and hopeful, framing the goal of 50 seats as a move to elevate DP to the status of leading opposition force—potentially rivaling or even outpacing Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP).
It’s worth noting that the lead-up to the vote saw some controversy, as the Electoral Commission disqualified Richard Sebamala—Mao’s would-be challenger—for failing to demonstrate at least 10 years of active party membership.
