Mao takes leave
DP party president Norbert Mao (L) flanked by other party officials Mr Kenneth Paul Kakande (2nd L), Mr Ssebuliba Mutumba and Mr Kato Lubwama addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Kampala. Photo by Joseph Kiggundu
Democratic Party president, Norbert Mao has taken leave from party activities, urging all those who want his job to use the party constitution to get it.
Mr Mao who spent more than a month in Nairobi Hospital last year undergoing treatment, cited medical reasons for his leave from party activities.
“My Doctors have advised that I rest because when I left Nairobi, I found Amuru and Busia needed me. But as 2016 shapes up, I will take rest for some time. We have 40 leaders who will steer the party in my absence,” he said.
Mao was in July last year admitted in Nairobi Hospital after being referred from Lacor Hospital in Gulu district where he was diagnosed with acute malaria and chest complications. He was hospitalised for close to two months before he was discharged.
Mr Mao, who left DP Secretary General, Mathias Nsubuga in charge, assured party supporters he would continue to give direction to the party and attend key meetings.
“I will continue to give instructions, attend a few meetings because I need to store my energy for a bigger battle for Uganda and not DP,” he said.
The news of Mao’s leave from office comes barely a day Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago hinted on standing on running for the party’s (DP’s) president general.
Mr Lukwago who denied fanning succession talk in the party accused Mr Mao of attempting to stop the debates.
“There is a hot debate in the Democratic Party on who should take charge. That debate has been there for a long time, it has rattled Mr Mao that I hear he banned any meetings,” Mr Lukwago said on Monday while addressing journalists at his home in Rubaga Division.
Last week, Mr Mao accused the party’s vice chairperson in Buganda, Mr Richard Sebuliba Mutumba and other officials of traversing the region, identifying potential candidates for electoral positions for the forthcoming 2016 elections without following party rules.
Mr Mao was elected as President of DP on February 20, 2010. He contested in the 2011 Presidential elections on the party ticket but lost.
The Party under his reign has faced a lot of challenges including a number of party leaders refusing to tow the party line. The former legislator has also come under criticism from various party members who see his leadership as having weakened the party.
