Nobert Mao has been sworn in as the newly elected President General of the Democratic Party (DP) after a heated and chaotic delegates’ conference in Mbarara City. This marks his fourth term at the helm of Uganda’s oldest opposition party, solidifying his position as a dominant figure in DP politics.

The Monday evening election saw Mao defeat his rivals, Dr. Lulume Bayiga and Elia Alitia, in a contest that highlighted deep divisions within the party. Shortly after taking the oath of office, Mao issued a stern warning against indiscipline, signaling a no-nonsense approach to leadership in his new term.

“This new term is definitely going to be a tough one for those who are undisciplined in the Democratic Party,” Mao declared. “I want to send out a clear warning to those who think DP is a playground. When you come to play in DP, you will be shocked to find out that DP is a battleground.” His words were a direct message to internal critics and rivals who may challenge his authority.

Mao also raised concerns about external interference in the party’s affairs, suggesting that some candidates in the just-concluded election were financially backed with ill intentions. “Some people have been fishing in troubled waters,” he said. “Even through these campaigns, we have heard of people who pumped money into DP campaigns just to fight Mao. I have never seen this kind of money in Democratic Party campaigns ever since I became a member.”

Despite the internal conflicts, Mao emphasized that the party remains strong and vibrant. “In case you thought the Democratic Party is no longer alive, the Mbarara National Delegates Conference has demonstrated for you that this party is alive,” he stated. His re-election, though controversial among some factions, reaffirms his grip on the party’s leadership amid growing debates about its future direction.

As both DP president and a minister in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, Mao faces the delicate task of balancing his political roles. He urged party members to strengthen grassroots connections, acknowledging that DP must reconnect with its base to remain relevant.

“We need to reach out to all those who have been criticizing us, whether fairly or unfairly,” Mao said. “We have a duty to engage them. We need to be in touch more with our grassroots.” His call for unity comes at a time when the party is grappling with internal dissent and questions over its opposition credibility, especially given his collaboration with the NRM government.

Looking ahead, Mao revealed plans for a series of discussions to redefine DP’s political path. “We need to start discussions on which direction DP should take,” he said. “There is no topic that is off the table. We are going to discuss everything, and then we will decide as a party.”

Among the key initiatives he announced are a national policy conference and regional consultations aimed at shaping the party’s strategy. “We will hold regional policy conferences in every part of Uganda, followed by a national policy conference,” Mao explained. “We will also convene an extraordinary national delegates’ conference free from election pressures to discuss the future of DP.”

The announcement suggests an effort to foster internal democracy and address long-standing grievances within the party. However, critics remain skeptical, arguing that Mao’s leadership has often been marked by centralized control and limited tolerance for dissent.

The Mbarara conference itself was not without drama. Reports of heated exchanges, accusations of foul play, and last-minute lobbying painted a picture of a party deeply divided. Supporters of Mao celebrated his victory, while backers of his opponents questioned the fairness of the process.

For now, Mao’s focus appears to be on consolidating his authority and steering DP through a critical phase in Uganda’s opposition politics. His ability to unite the party, reinvigorate its grassroots, and clarify its stance within the country’s political landscape will determine whether his fourth term strengthens DP or deepens its internal rifts.

As the Democratic Party moves forward under Mao’s renewed leadership, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead both from within the party and in Uganda’s broader political arena. One thing is certain: his latest term promises to be anything but quiet.