Justice Minister Norbert Mao to Challenge His Boss Museveni in 2026 Polls

Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao has officially been endorsed as the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest against President Yoweri Museveni, his current boss in government.
Mao, who was appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in 2022 by President Museveni, has faced alot of criticism from within his own party over what some describe as a betrayal of opposition ideals.

His alliance with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) raised eyebrows, with several DP members accused him of abandoning the party.

Following his endorsement, Mao declared his readiness to challenge Museveni at the ballot box.

"The time has come to offer Uganda a new vision and a new generation of leadership." He said.

However, his candidacy has not come without controversy. Several longtime DP members have since defected, accusing Mao of compromising the party’s integrity. Some have gone as far as labeling him a "traitor" and many accusing him of "sleeping in the same bed with Museveni" when he accepted a ministerial position in Museveni's long-serving government.

Despite the internal rift, Mao remains defiant and unmoved. He insists that his role in government has been strategic, aimed at promoting constitutional reforms and national dialogue.

“You don’t change a system by shouting from the outside, you must engage it from within,” he said in defense of his decision to work with the NRM administration.

With the 2026 elections approaching, Mao now faces the complex task of convincing Ugandans especially opposition supporters that he is a genuine alternative to Museveni. His candidacy sets the stage for a dramatic electoral showdown, pitting a former opposition icon turned government insider against the country’s long-time leader.