Uganda’s Next Leader Won’t Emerge from Polls, Says Norbert Mao

The Minister for Constitutional Affairs and Democratic Party (DP) President, Norbert Mao, has stated that Uganda’s future leadership change will not be achieved through elections, but through a negotiated and peaceful transition of power.

Mao made the remarks on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during a welcome home ceremony at Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa Catholic Church in Pader Town. 

The event was organized to receive Fearless Wod-Acholi Kilama, the Pader Urban Council III Chairperson, who was recently released from Kitgum Government Prison. 

Kilama had been convicted of incitement to violence following his role in the COVID-19 protests in Pader District on July 6 and 7, 2021. 

Addressing the crowd, Mao said Uganda’s electoral system has failed to produce genuine political transformation and should not be relied upon to change the current regime.

“Leadership in Uganda will eventually change, but not through ballots,” Mao said, adding, “One day, people will just wake up and see me being sworn in as President.” He explained that political change would come through unity, strategic negotiation, and national dialogue, not by simply casting votes.

Mao pointed to the cooperation agreement signed between the DP and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after the 2021 elections as a foundation for a peaceful transition. 

Mao emphasized that the agreement focuses on peaceful transfer of power, national reconciliation through dialogue, restoration of presidential term limits, and reinstatement of the age limit for presidential candidates.

He urged President Yoweri Museveni to voluntarily step aside to pave the way for a stable and peaceful transiti

The minister also cautioned against tribal divisions and called for unity within the Acholi sub-region and across Uganda.

He reminded the public that every region has both dark and inspiring figures in its history, citing Joseph Kony, the infamous rebel leader, and Bishop Janani Luwum, a revered national martyr, both from Acholi.

Mao called on the youth to support each other in leadership instead of pulling each other down during political seasons.

He stressed the importance of education, awareness, and hope, arguing that Uganda’s future lies in a united and informed citizenry, not in flawed electoral processes