Today in History: DP and NRM Sign Cooperation Agreement

What the report says

Nile Post’s “Today in History” feature revisits the 2022 cooperation agreement between Uganda’s Democratic Party (DP) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), describing it as a major political development signed at State House, Entebbe. The 42-clause pact was signed by President Yoweri Museveni, in his role as NRM national chairman, and DP President General Norbert Mao. NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda witnessed the signing.

According to Nile Post, the agreement was framed as a vehicle for dialogue, constitutionalism and less adversarial politics. It also bound DP to back the NRM government on important bills, confidence matters and major policy positions in Parliament for the 2021-2026 term.

The report says the pact had immediate political consequences. Mao was appointed Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs the following day, with responsibilities linked to national dialogue and constitutional reform. Siranda later won a seat in the East African Legislative Assembly with support from the NRM parliamentary majority, while other DP members reportedly gained openings in parliamentary committees and public institutions.

The arrangement also exposed divisions inside DP, with some senior party figures objecting that the deal lacked full party authorization. Nile Post reports that legal challenges followed, but the Constitutional Court upheld the agreement in March 2026, finding it did not violate Uganda’s Constitution. With the original term nearing its end, debate continues over whether the partnership should continue: critics say it has served its time, while Mao and DP leaders argue cooperation gives the party influence over governance from within.