The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has hinted at the possibility of members of opposition parties serving as ministers in the next government.
The Democratic Party (DP) president, also the parliamentary candidate in 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 political leaders in Gulu City on Saturday evening, Mao described the coming five years as “special,” describing 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,” Mao said.
He did not disclose specific names of individuals who could be appointed from the opposition. He also did not reveal further about who and why he says NUP, FDC, or PFF could form part of the next government if the NRM presidential candidate, Yoweri Museveni, won the upcoming election.
Mao and the former Security Chief, David Pulkol, are closely linked to President Museveni’s young brother, Caleb Akandwanaho, aka Salim Saleh. Many have indicated that Retired General Salim Saleh plays a critical role in determining who gets appointed to the cabinet.
Using an extended metaphor, Mao likened the period ahead to a sunset—calm and inviting—contrasting it with the harsh brightness of a sunrise. He said the sunset years would provide 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.
Mao is serving under Museveni under an MOU or cooperation agreement with the ruling NRM led by Yoweri Museveni. Other opposition figures in Museveni’s cabinet include Betty Amongi, a UPC supporter and wife of UPC President Jimmy Akena.
Mao urged political actors to exercise restraint and civility as the election period nears its end, noting that while campaigns may conclude on June 27, politicians and citizens will continue to live and work together long afterward.
He appealed for unity and mutual respect among political parties, arguing that cooperation is vital for peaceful transition and national progress.
Mao also condemned the canning of civilians in Gulu City on December 6 during a visit by NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, saying Uganda’s multi-party democracy should allow free political choice. “We are now in a multi-party system. It is like a market where people are free to choose what to buy,” he said.
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 Shs 134 million, under the leadership of Division Mayor Geoffrey Otim.
The event was also attended by Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi, who called on political leaders—especially councillors—to rise above partisan differences and prioritise peaceful coexistence. “Political competition should not divide Ugandans along party, religious, tribal or personal lines,”
Magyezi said, adding that political affiliation should not hinder friendship or public service. Without mentioning specific individuals, 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 NUP spokesperson and Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, were unsuccessful by press time, as he did not respond to phone calls.
Mao’s remarks on political transition are not new. Last month, while launching his campaign for the Laroo–Pece Division parliamentary seat, he stated that President Museveni was aware of and supportive of his bid, and reiterated that a major political transition was approaching—one he said the Acholi sub-region must prepare for.
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