DP’s legal advisor Nalukoola quits over NRM deal

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the long-serving Legal Advisor for the Democratic Party (DP), has resigned from his position in the Norbert Mao-led party.

Nalukoola, who had been serving as DP’s Legal Advisor since 2020, outlined three key reasons for his resignation, primarily focusing on the controversial cooperation agreement between the DP and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which he claims was executed without the consent or knowledge of the party’s governing organs, raising significant ethical and procedural concerns.

In his resignation letter, dated October 8th, 2024, addressed to DP Secretary General Dr. Siranda Blacks, Nalukoola stated, “The refusal and/or failure by the Party’s Secretary General to convene a National Council Meeting, as demanded by party members, has undermined the party’s democratic processes and the voices of our constitution.”

He further criticized Mao’s decision to maintain his position as DP President General after being appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, a move he says conflicts with the principle of collective responsibility and has brought the party’s operations to a standstill.

While expressing gratitude for the trust and opportunities provided during his tenure, Nalukoola shared his disappointment with the party’s current leadership. “I feel betrayed by the current trajectory of our party’s leadership, which is detrimental to the party’s core values and against my conscience. I wish the Democratic Party all the best and remain hopeful for the revival of the party’s vision, mission, values, and core principles as outlined in its constitution,” he added.

Nalukoola’s resignation comes amidst ongoing internal disputes within DP following the July 2022 cooperation agreement with the ruling NRM. The agreement included provisions for DP’s support of the NRM government in Parliament on various matters, including procedural motions and governance agendas. As part of the deal, Mao was appointed as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and it was agreed that by 2026, there would be no existing DP structures in the central region.

The cooperation agreement has been a source of controversy, with some DP members filing legal challenges. A pending case in the Constitutional Court, led by DP MP Richard Lumu Kizito, and five other legislators, questions the validity of the agreement. The petitioners argue that Mao signed the cooperation agreement without proper authority, consultation, or consent from the party’s National Executive Committee, undermining the party’s democratic governance principles.

The legislators, while not opposed to Mao’s ministerial appointment in a personal capacity, contend that his actions as DP President General were inappropriate. The legal challenge seeks to have the agreement declared null and void, preventing DP organs from ratifying it. Nalukoola, however, clarified that despite resigning from his legal advisory role, he has no intention of leaving the Democratic Party itself.

“I cannot leave the DP; it’s the party that nurtured me. Even when I was elected Head Prefect at Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, I received congratulatory messages from DP. I have been part of the DP for many years and will remain so,” he stated, recalling his early involvement in politics during his tenure as Kawempe Youth Councillor and Deputy Division Speaker. Efforts to reach Mao and Siranda for comments on Nalukoola’s resignation were unsuccessful.

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