DP NEC Memeber: Mukasa Mbidde Stands No Chance Against Mao

National Treasurer and NEC member John Bosco Kamoga has dismissed Vice President Mukasa Mbidde’s bid for the Democratic Party (DP) presidency, saying he stands no political chance against Party President General, also Laroo-Pece MP and Minister for justice and constitutional affairs, Norbert Mao, arguing that the internal balance of power in the party still strongly favours Mao.

Speaking during a Mulengera News podcast hosted by Aggrey Baba, Kamoga was reacting to Mbidde’s recent press conference in Zana where he declared interest in contesting for the DP top seat at the next delegates conference, effectively signalling a leadership challenge. Detailed video interview can be accessed via this YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouVjHX-Rmr8&t=175s

Kamoga, however, said the declaration doesn’t reflect the real political dynamics within DP, insisting that structures, influence, and internal alignment still sit firmly under Mao’s camp. He further referenced Mao’s earlier position that he would be serving his final term, saying succession debates should be guided by that understanding rather than public political pressure.

Kamoga questioned Mbidde’s potential for leading a national party, as big and sa DP, pointing to his repeated electoral defeats, including his most recent parliamentary loss in Mubende, arguing that such a record weakens his claim to higher office.
He used a proverb to underline his argument, saying “You don’t chase a lion after failing to kill a rabit,” suggesting that the Balintuma based party leadership requires a stronger electoral base than Mbidde currently demonstrates.

Responding to Mbidde’s criticism that DP has lost direction and national influence, saying Mao had narrowed DP to a regional political party, having only managed to garner  six MPs during the recent elections, five of whom are from Acholi sub-region, Kamoga dismissed the claims as exaggerated and politically driven, insisting the party remains a national institution with deep historical roots.

He also said that Mbidde is equally responsible for DP’s poor performance in other regions including Buganda, because he’s a leader in the party, holding an office which gives him almost the same powers as far as mobilisation is concerned, as Mao himself.

Kamoga also reacted to accusations from the “DP at Heart” pressure group, which recently alleged corruption and mismanagement within the party and petitioned the Inspector General of Government (IGG) for investigations. He dismissed their approach, saying internal grievances should be handled through party structures rather than public confrontation, which he argued soils and weakens the party.

Despite the rising internal exchanges, Kamoga said NEC does not view the situation as a crisis and hasn’t rushed to convene emergency meetings, describing the developments as normal political disagreements within a large party like DP. He reaffirmed confidence in Mao’s earlier commitment to step aside after his current term, noting that any formal changes would be communicated at the right time.

“I have, for long, known Mao as a man of his word. If he really promised to step down at the end of this term, so shall be, and I see no reason for Mbidde to worry,” Kamoga said, remarks which highlighted widening internal debate within DP as factions position themselves ahead of the next delegates conference, with Mbidde pushing for leadership change and Kamoga insisting that succession must follow structured, disciplined processes. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).