Norbert Mao in spectacles with the 2026-2030 flag bearers at the Party Headquarters
By George Bukenya
The Democratic Party (DP) President who also doubles as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao asserts that the next government will be a consensus government that will even see most of the opposition leaders given ministerial post.
The outspoken eloquent lawyers says that a big section of opposition circles and the ruling NRM party supports it for purposes of having a unitary government to avoid change of government by use of the barrel of the gun.
“ The political arena is divided into two directions, one for a consensus government, so as to work towards having change of government peacefully and these include parties like JEMA, DP, FDC DFF,PPP and those who say the dictator must be removed by force the NUP, DFF and the Common Man’s Party,’’ Mao said.
Although DP didn’t field a presidential candidate in the 2026 general elections, Mao launched his party’s manifesto at his party headquarters along Balintuma road in Rubaga Division, Kampala early this week.
Among the key points in his manifesto is a national unity government with representation across the whole political spectrum which according to DP will bring consensus democracy in the country, restoration of term limits, devolution of power and constitution reform.
In the manifesto, DP also proposes a reduction on both the cabinet and Parliament size so as to reduce on government expenditure and save resources for social services and overall economic development. Reduction of electricity tariffs and National Health Insurance, free medical care for children below five years and for elderly above 70 years.
Mao also said that his party proposes the next government to have two legislative houses, a house of representative and Senate as it’s done in United State of America so as to have a balanced regional representation and this will see for instance Kampala and Wakiso districts having more MPs than any other district, due to their huge population sizes as well as a reduction in the number of districts.
Other Proposals include, building another capital city and administrative city and leaving Kampala as a main commercial centre, low interest rate for mortgaged house for younger legally married couples so as to encourage the youth to marry, funding Faith based organizations, Federal system of governance at least we copy Kenya style .
Mao said the Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) will do the work of ensuring that the next government is a consensus one and he well come NUP the leading opposition party who have just requested to join.
“The Interparty Organization for Dialogue is not a forum for taking tea or pictures with president Museveni as some opposition leaders were saying, but its aimed at fostering rule or law, democracy and agitating for peaceful change of government,’’ Chairman Mao said.
He also cautioned NUP leaders to stop harassing Asuman Basarirwa because he chose to join IPOD earlier than them for this is indeed a road to reconciliation.