Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao has declared that Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala does not meet the constitutional criteria to run for the party’s top office.
Addressing journalists at the party’s weekly press briefing ahead of the National Delegates Conference scheduled for Friday, May 30, Mr. Mao emphasized that the requirements for the party presidency are clearly defined and were reiterated during a recent meeting in Soroti.
“These qualifications are clearly spelled out,” Mao said. “I even pointed out MP Sebamala during the meeting and stated that his excitement is baseless because he is not eligible under the party constitution.”
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Mao attributed ongoing internal wrangles to what he described as “petty politics” and external interference, accusing other political groups of trying to use DP as a recruitment base.
“As long as the party is under the leadership of a tough man like Norbert Mao, they will not easily manipulate the DP. That’s my real offense—being principled and uncompromising,” he remarked.
Mao further alleged that Sebamala is receiving backing from figures within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), particularly those opposed to the cooperation agreement between DP and the NRM government.
“There are powerful individuals uneasy about my role in government. Some are working behind the scenes, using people within DP to undermine my leadership,” Mao claimed.
He also expressed concern about the unusually large sums of money involved in internal campaigns.
“In all our 70 years, DP has never seen this kind of money in campaigns. It shocked us,” Mao said.
Recalling a similar situation, Mao cited the 2010 case of Mukasa Mbidde, who allegedly tried to force his way into a vice-presidential slot without meeting the constitutional requirements.
“He didn’t qualify but went around campaigning anyway. In the end, the constitution won,” Mao noted, stressing that all aspiring candidates are aware of the eligibility rules.
“This is not a matter of opinion—it’s written in black and white,” he added.
In response, MP Sebamala dismissed the disqualification as a political maneuver. Speaking to Monitor by phone, he said the objection was conveniently timed.
“We were nominated nearly a month ago. They had all the time to raise this. I qualify fully and understand the party’s constitution,” Sebamala said.
He insisted that he meet the required five years of service on the National Council, the primary issue in question.
“It’s not my fault that Mao moved the elections two months earlier than expected. We took an oath for a five-year term,” he explained.
DP Electoral Commission Chairperson Kenny Mutenyo confirmed that four candidates had expressed interest in the party presidency: incumbent Norbert Mao, MP Richard Sebamala, MP Michael Lulume Bayiga (Buikwe South), and the DP Vice President for Northern Uganda.
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