EDITH BYANYIMA WRITES TO DP PRESIDENT MAO AN OPEN LETTER

Dear Hon. Norbert Mao, I write as a concerned member of the Democratic Party, compelled by recent developments that raise serious questions about the party’s internal consultation, political direction, and institutional coherence.

In recent times, communication from the party leadership has largely been limited to public press briefings, often focused on individual political positioning. This has left many members with little visibility of structured internal consultation or collective decision-making within the party.

There is growing concern that the Democratic Party’s internal structures are not being effectively utilised for consultation and decision-making. Key organs such as Parliamentary representatives, District Chairpersons, Delegates and National Council members (whose composition has been the subject of ongoing contestation among sections of the membership), and Party Elders do not appear to be meaningfully engaged in guiding the party’s current direction.

The credibility of some internal structures has been questioned, further weakening confidence in internal processes. The party’s organisational foundations appear to have weakened and this is reflected in declining coordination, limited engagement, and increasing disengagement among members.

There is also concern regarding your participation in political engagements associated with the ruling party, in particular the NRM caucus meetings at Kyankwanzi. Such involvement raises important questions about the scope of the cooperation arrangement, whether party structures were consulted, and how this aligns with the Democratic Party’s independent identity.

Additionally, there is growing public perception that the pursuit of the Speakership position is being advanced without clear internal consultation or formal party endorsement. This raises concerns about whether this reflects a collective party position or individual political positioning, and what institutional benefit it brings to the party.

There are also unresolved internal disputes and contested questions regarding aspects of party leadership, some of which remain subject to public and legal challenge. These matters require priority attention and resolution through internal mechanisms before undertaking further external political engagements.

Furthermore, there remains uncertainty regarding the cooperation agreement entered into under your leadership. Clarity is needed on its current status, duration, review framework, and its implications for the Democratic Party’s independent political direction.

In light of the above, I respectfully but firmly call for:

Immediate clarification on the status and implications of the cooperation agreement. 

Clear explanation of your participation in the ruling-party's internal engagements and the benefits it brings to DP .

Clarification on whether the Speakership pursuit has formal party endorsement. 

Strengthening of structured internal consultation across party organs.

Priority resolution of internal disputes affecting party cohesion.

This request is made in the spirit of constructive engagement, accountability and commitment to strengthening the DP as a coherent, principled and consultative political institution.

The future of the Democratic Party must be grounded in transparency, consultation, and institutional consensus.

Yours faithfully,

Edith Chuchu Byanyima

Concerned Member of the Democratic Party

CC:

All – Democratic Party District Chair persons. 

All Democratic Party Parliamentary Representatives

ALL Delegates and DP National Council Members.

All Democratic Party Elders.