Mao Urges Respect for Rule of Law, Calls for Peaceful Political Transition*

Democratic Party President General and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has urged Ugandans and state institutions to uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism, calling for restraint and respect for legal processes instead of confrontation with law enforcement agencies.

Speaking during the Democratic Party’s weekly press briefing at the party headquarters in Mengo, Kampala, on Tuesday, Mao expressed concern over the arrests of several opposition figures, including Kampala Lord Mayor Emeritus Erias Lukwago, National Unity Platform Deputy President for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, and former State Minister for Ethics and Integrity Miria Matembe, among others.

Mao condemned what he described as illegal arrests, torture, unlawful detention, excessive use of power by security agencies, and delays in the trial of suspects. He said such practices undermine the principles of justice, the rule of law, and constitutional governance.

Despite his concerns, Mao emphasized that political and legal disputes should be resolved through constitutional and legal processes rather than confrontation. He added that the issue is expected to be discussed further at the upcoming Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) summit.

The Democratic Party leader also appealed to the public to support efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful political transition in Uganda. He noted that the country’s previous political transitions have often been characterised by violence, leading to the loss of lives and destruction of property, with long-term consequences for national development.

Mao said these concerns informed his decision to enter into a cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He argued that the agreement was intended to promote a peaceful transfer of power and stated that it has already contributed to positive developments.

He further called for national dialogue and reconciliation, describing them as essential measures for fostering unity and ensuring peaceful transitions of power between governments.

On party affairs, Mao announced that the Democratic Party plans to hold a week-long leadership retreat on a date yet to be announced. He said the retreat will review the party’s past performance and outline its strategic direction for the next five years.

According to Mao, the retreat will bring together Democratic Party Members of Parliament, members of the National Executive Committee, and other party leaders to develop the party’s strategic plan and deliberate on key organisational matters.

Addressing criticism from some party members who accuse him of damaging the Democratic Party’s image and effectively handing it over to the NRM through the cooperation agreement, Mao defended the arrangement, maintaining that it has produced significant positive outcomes. He dismissed claims that the agreement has weakened or undermined the party.