Story by Aggrey Twesigye
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has secured a fourth consecutive term as President General of the Democratic Party (DP) following the party’s 12th National Delegates Conference held at Asarma Country Resort in Ruti, Mbarara City.
Mao won decisively, garnering 969 out of 1,360 votes, outpacing his main rival, Buikwe South MP Lulume Bayigga Michael, who received 339 votes. Elia Alitia, the outgoing DP Vice President for Northern Uganda, trailed with just 52 votes.
The election process, overseen by presiding officer Kennedy Mutenyo, was marked by tight security and intensive vote counting throughout the day.
After taking the oath of office, Mao urged for unity and reconciliation, both within the party and across the national political spectrum.
He extended an olive branch to his challengers and encouraged collective efforts to revive Uganda’s oldest political party.
Other key positions were also confirmed during the conference:
Fred Mukasa Mbidde retained his seat as National Vice President unopposed.
Gerald Siranda Blacks was re-elected Secretary General with 370 votes.
While congratulating the delegates on a peaceful election, Mbidde did not hold back criticism, calling out unnamed individuals who allegedly tried to undermine the integrity of the process.
