The opposition Democratic Party President Norbert Mao, has scoffed at those criticizing his coalition agreement with the government and ruling National Resistance Movement Party (NRM), saying it benefits both parties and the country at large.
While addressing locals at his homecoming ceremony in Kaunda Playgrounds in Gulu, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs justified the cooperation agreement he signed on behalf of his party and explained that the ‘new Mao’ believes that it is important to learn from the NRM that has prospered in power for several years.
“Keeping government is not easy, in Uganda, we have President Yoweri Museveni who has kept it for so long and it’s important to understand how he does it. Also if you are a farmer and your neighbour’s farm is more productive and yours is full of weeds, instead of bewitching your neighbour why not branch into their garden to inquire how they do it? So both the NRM and DP benefit.” he said
Mao further explained that after several years of bickering at the government, he found it wise to work together and share ideas that would benefit masses in turn.
“All my life I have been handing missiles at the government and the NRM party but I decided that it’s important to work together. I think I have something useful to contribute and if others don’t appreciate it, at least President Museveni does because he has the intelligence and knowledge to decern that I can make a contribution. We started talks in 2021” he added
Mao promised to use his influence and work with the Acholi people to resolve the Apaa land conflict between residents of Amuru and Adjumani, and the invasion of Karimojong rustlers.
The Kilak North legislator also Acholi Parliamentary Group Chairperson Anthony Akol asked the government to look into issues of the illegal purchase of land and land grabbing.
Speaking at the same function, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa hailed Mao for his for the harmonization of the country’s already divided politics is a welcome idea that should be supported.
“We can see there are people who still see believe in a united Uganda and Mao thankyou for being a leader of that group. As Parliament we pledge to support all endeavors from a legislative and appropriation perspective that will bring unity in this country. Some people will be mistaken but don’t mind because you are doing this for Uganda not a few individuals” he said
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong also explained to locals that for Mao to sign a co-operation agreement to work with the Government led by the NRM party is not a new thing.
“The NRM government works with different party members. Since 1986 when the NRM government took over power, DP members who started the party worked with the NRM government. Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere was a minister, and Ssebaana Kizito was also a minister in the NRM government along with many others, so why not Mao? Todwong asked
The DP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NRM in 2022, and since then, Mao was appointed Minister.