Norbert Mao, the President of the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda’s Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has confirmed his attendance at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus Leaders’ Retreat. The event is scheduled to take place from April 7 to 15, 2026, at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in the Kyankwanzi District.
In a statement released via X, Mao acknowledged the invitation from the ruling party, stating his intention to participate in the seven-day program. The retreat serves as a primary mechanism for the NRM to conduct ideological orientation and strategic planning for its legislators. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to address the gathering.
The DP-NRM Memorandum of Understanding
Mao’s participation follows a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Democratic Party and the NRM. This agreement facilitated Mao’s appointment to the Cabinet, a move that has created a complex political duality for the DP leader, who also represents the Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City in the 12th Parliament.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong has affirmed that the MoU remains in effect, citing Mao’s dual status as a Cabinet minister and a newly elected Member of Parliament as the basis for his inclusion in the retreat. This arrangement occurs as the NRM maintains a commanding majority in the current Parliament, although opposition entities, including the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the DP, operate with significantly reduced legislative influence.
The Speakership Contest
The timing of the Kyankwanzi retreat coincides with internal deliberations regarding the leadership of the 12th Parliament. Mao has publicly declared his candidacy for the position of Speaker. Though, the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) has previously signaled its support for the incumbent Speaker, Anita Among.
The retreat provides a venue where Mao may engage directly with NRM legislators, who hold the voting power to determine the Speakership. Historically, the NALI retreats have been used by the NRM to consolidate party discipline and align novel legislators with the executive’s agenda.
Opposition Response
The decision to attend a ruling party retreat has generated friction within Uganda’s opposition. Some political observers view the move as a pragmatic approach to dialogue in a polarized environment. Conversely, critics within the opposition argue that such alignment compromises the independence of the Democratic Party and risks transforming the organization into a subsidiary of the NRM.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the broader impact on parliamentary oversight, with reports suggesting that some legislators from the National Unity Platform may also participate in similar ruling-party forums. This trend has led to internal debates over whether such engagements dilute the role of the opposition in checking government power.
The proceedings at the National Leadership Institute are scheduled to continue through April 15.
