Mao says he will back President Museveni for Uganda’s 2026 election

Justice minister and Democratic Party (DP) president-general Norbert Mao has for the first time pledged to vote for President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda’s upcoming general election. Mao made the declaration on 6 January 2026 during a meeting with youth leaders at Gulu University, saying improved dialogue between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and the Acholi community convinced him to support the incumbent. He told the crowd he would cast his vote for Museveni in the 15 January 2026 ballot because the president had promised to “unite the country”.The meeting and quotes were first reported by New Vision, a state-owned Ugandan newspaper, and subsequently covered by other local outlets.

Verified facts

First public endorsement: Mao told students and youth leaders that he will vote for Museveni in 2026, marking the first time he has openly backed the NRM leader. The justice minister said he previously “scattered” votes against Museveni but is now committed to canvassing support.

He attributed his shift to improved dialogue and reconciliation between the NRM government and the Acholi people. Mao said engagement efforts, such as the Juba Peace Agreement, helped reduce resentment in northern Uganda following past conflicts. He added that Museveni’s pledge to unify the country was central to his decision.

Mao is running for the Laroo–Pece Division parliamentary seat in Gulu City. He expects support for Museveni to grow as voters learn more about the NRM manifesto and the government’s regional development projects. Mao highlighted Gulu’s elevation to city status, expansion of Gulu University and infrastructure improvements linked to Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Addressing youth leaders from across northern Uganda, Mao urged them to support Museveni and counter negative narratives about the NRM. He acknowledged that some youths lack knowledge of the party’s achievements and asked the NRM secretariat to distribute its manifesto.

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Context and reactionsThe pledge underscores a deepening alliance between the DP and the ruling party. In 2022 the DP signed a memorandum of understanding with the NRM, paving the way for Mao’s appointment as justice minister. Since then, Mao has gradually embraced NRM policies and has defended the cooperation as a step toward national unity.

Mao’s remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of Uganda’s general election. Opposition figures have criticised his alignment with Museveni, arguing that the long-serving president should step aside. Nonetheless, Mao maintains that supporting Museveni now will create space for a peaceful transition in the future, telling the Gulu audience that past grievances have been addressed and that the Acholi community benefits from government initiatives.

Background

Mao is a long-time opposition figure who contested the presidency in 2011 and 2016. His decision not to contest in 2026 and instead support Museveni marks a notable shift in Uganda’s multi-party landscape. He said he had previously withheld support from Museveni due to disagreements over the government’s handling of the insurgency in northern Uganda. The justice minister now argues that sustained engagement between the government and local communities has changed the political environment.

Source: New vision