By Aggrey Baba
Fire is blazing in Balintuma as former Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) president and ex‑DP spokesperson Ismail Kiirya publicly disputes the presence of Norbert Mao at the ongoing NRM Parliamentary Caucus retreat in Kyankwanzi, asserting that Mao’s attendance runs contrary to the will and position of his own party, the Democratic Party (DP).
Kiirya, speaking exclusively to Mulengera News on Wednesday, argued that any interactions between Mao and the NRM during the caucus are personal engagements and should not be construed as official party business or DP endorsement. Full video version of the Kiirya interview can be accessed via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9UFeBVL9ik.
The NRM Parliamentary Caucus, an internal party organ made up of all NRM Members of MPs meets to coordinate a unified party stance on parliamentary business, align with government priorities, and build cohesion among lawmakers before parliamentary sessions.
“This invitation and his presence there are not in line with the will of the DP. Whatever dealings happen at that caucus are strictly between NRM and Mao as an individual, not as a representative of the Democratic Party,” Kiirya said.
He was also asked whether the NRM may have invited Mao in a bid to persuade him to withdraw from the speaker of Parliament race, given that the party has already endorsed its own candidates. He dismissed such concerns, describing Mao as too weak to pose any real threat to the ruling party’s numerical strength in Parliament.
“The NRM has an overwhelming majority. DP has only six MPs. Even with his six, Mao is only sure of two or three votes, including his own, because he hasn’t even taken time to engage DP MPs about his speakership bid,” Kiirya said.
In sharp language, Kiirya labelled Mao a “toothless barking dog,” insisting that his presence in Kyankwanzi doesn’t intimidate or unsettle any NRM members. He urged that President Museveni, who is also the NRM chairperson, to formally absorb Mao into his party given what he described as the Laroo-Pece MP’s apparent focus on the yellow affairs.
Kiirya further challenged narratives suggesting that Mao’s invitation was tied to the cooperation agreement between NRM and DP, noting that the agreement has long since expired, saying they shouldn’t deceive anyone that the invite was about the cooperation.
“That agreement is even expired. Maybe Mao is chasing his own agendas,” he said.
The former DP spokesperson accused Mao of shifting his political priorities since his appointment as minister in the Museveni government, arguing that recent actions and statements by the DP president have favored his personal interests over those of the party he leads. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
