“Come Back Home”: DP’s Mao Woos Sidelined NUP Legislators Ahead of 2026 Polls
KAMPALA – In a strategic move to bolster its ranks ahead of the 2026 general elections, Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao has issued a public call for all former members who were sidelined by the National Unity Platform (NUP) to return “home.”
Speaking at the DP headquarters in Balintuma on Tuesday, Mao described the politicians as politically important to the party, invoking the proverb, “East or West, Home is Best.”
The invitation was specifically extended to several high-profile MPs who have recently found themselves at odds with the NUP leadership. Mao singled out Busiro East’s Medard Lubega Ssegona, Makindye West’s Allan Ssewanyana, and Mityana Woman MP Joyce Bagala, noting that they had once abandoned DP for what he termed “greener pastures” in NUP.
“You left your home for what you thought were greener pastures, only to be discarded when it mattered most,” Mao stated, addressing the named legislators indirectly. He assured them that the party was extending an open invitation and that they would be welcomed back and considered for party tickets to contest in the upcoming elections.
This public overture is seen as a direct attempt by the DP to capitalize on the internal friction within the NUP, which has seen several of its prominent members, including seasoned legislators, being sidelined or denied party sponsorship. By offering them a lifeline, Mao aims to reinvigorate the DP with experienced politicians, potentially altering the opposition dynamics ahead of the 2026 polls.
