DP MPs Seek Meeting to Review NRM Cooperation Agreement

Democratic Party (DP) Members of Parliament and regional representatives are planning to meet the party’s National Council to raise internal grievances and review the party’s cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Patrick Okello, the Aswa County MP, said the proposed meeting would give members an opportunity to present concerns they believe require the attention of the party leadership.

“We strongly agree with that, and we believe and know that it has affected many people who have genuine grievances that need to be listened to,” Okello said.

He said MPs and regional representatives were organising the meeting with the party administration, although the date had not yet been confirmed because of their parliamentary commitments.

“The issues are already there. It is just a matter of looking at a day that is convenient to all of us,” he said.

Okello explained that legislators were occupied with committee work and preparations for the national budgeting process, which he described as critical to determining development priorities in their constituencies.

“We are about to start the cycle of budgeting, which is very hectic. Most of the members are in different committees. They want to wind up and prepare their input in the budget,” he said.

He said the proposed engagement would cover a range of issues, including party administration, policies, discipline, the legislative agenda and DP’s future.

The planned meeting follows the postponement of a Democratic Party National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for last month. Okello said it was postponed because it coincided with activities surrounding the burial of the Omukama of Bunyoro.

The discussions are also expected to examine how the cooperation agreement between DP and the NRM has worked and whether it should be amended or terminated.

“One of the issues that is burning within our circles and outside is the things to do with the cooperation agreement with the NRM. We need to review and see how it has worked, and then probably seek for any amendment or cancellation of the agreement,” Okello said.

He argued that the agreement, as it related to the 11th Parliament, had run its course with the end of that parliamentary term.

“As of now, it is still a gentleman’s agreement, because it has expired with the tenure of the 11th Parliament,” he said.

The proposed engagement is expected to give DP leaders an opportunity to address internal disagreements and clarify the party’s position on continued political cooperation with the NRM.

However, the meeting date remains unconfirmed as consultations continue to establish a time convenient for participants.