The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr Norbert Mao, has hinted at the possibility of members of opposition parties serving as ministers in the next government.
Mr Mao, who is also the president of the Democratic Party (DP) and a parliamentary candidate for Gulu City, said the next administration would be a mixed government, using the Kiswahili word muchanganyiko to emphasise inclusivity across major political parties.
Speaking to Laroo–Pece Division councillors and other political leaders in Gulu City on Saturday evening, Mr Mao described the coming five years as “special,” characterising them as the sunset years of President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership.
“In the next government, you are going to see NUP being ministers, you are going to see PFF being ministers, because the next five years are special. I really have to say they are the sunset years of President Museveni,” Mr Mao said.
He did not name specific individuals who could be appointed from the opposition, nor did he explain how or why parties such as the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) or the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) could be represented in government should President Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, win the forthcoming election.
Mr Mao and former Security Chief Mr David Pulkol are widely regarded as politically close to President Museveni’s younger brother, retired Gen Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Salim Saleh. Political observers have often pointed to Gen Saleh’s influence in high-level government appointments, although no official confirmation has been made.
Using an extended metaphor, Mr Mao likened the period ahead to a sunset—calm and welcoming—contrasting it with the harsh brightness of a sunrise. He said the sunset years would allow space for a smooth national transition.
“Sunset is the sweetest time. It’s not too hot. Sunrise is too bright; people shield their eyes. These sunset years are for taking Ugandans to the next level after President Museveni,” he said.
Mr Mao currently serves in President Museveni’s Cabinet under a memorandum of understanding between the Democratic Party and the ruling NRM. Other opposition figures in Cabinet include Gender Minister Ms Betty Amongi, a member of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and wife to UPC president Mr Jimmy Akena.
Mr Mao urged political actors to exercise restraint and civility as the election period draws to a close, noting that although campaigns may end on June 27, politicians and citizens will continue to live and work together afterward.
He appealed for unity and mutual respect among political parties, arguing that cooperation is essential for a peaceful transition and national progress.
Mr Mao also condemned the alleged caning of civilians in Gulu City on December 6 during a visit by NUP presidential candidate Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, saying Uganda’s multiparty democracy should guarantee freedom of political choice.
“We are now in a multiparty system. It is like a market where people are free to choose what to buy,” he said.
Mr Mao made the remarks after officiating at the launch of the newly constructed Laroo–Pece Division Council Hall, built using locally raised revenue amounting to Shs134 million under the leadership of Division Mayor Mr Geoffrey Otim.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Local Government, Mr Raphael Magyezi, who urged political leaders—particularly councillors—to rise above partisan divisions and prioritise peaceful coexistence.
“Political competition should not divide Ugandans along party, religious, tribal or personal lines,” Mr Magyezi said, adding that political affiliation should not hinder friendship or public service.
Without naming specific individuals, Mr Magyezi cautioned candidates against disrupting citizens’ rights during campaigns, noting that political mobilisation should not block access to homes or public roads.
He urged all political actors to condemn violence “on all fronts” and work together to ensure peaceful elections, stressing that Uganda’s progress depends on unity beyond party lines.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the National Unity Platform spokesperson and Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, were unsuccessful by press time, as he did not respond to phone calls.
Mr Mao’s remarks on political transition are not new. Last month, while launching his campaign for the Laroo–Pece Division parliamentary seat, he said President Museveni was aware of and supported his bid, reiterating that a major political transition was approaching—one he said the Acholi sub-region must prepare for.
