Options at Betty Nambooze’s disposal after suspension by Mao-Mbidde alliance

By Mike Ssegawa

Last week, Nobert Mao and Denis Mukasa Mbidde moved to assert themselves by attempting to throw out Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze.

Against legal counsel by the party’s law advisor Samuel Muyizzi, the duo pushed to suspend Nambooze against all common sense. The mockery that has come with the suspension notwithstanding, Mao threw out his little left democratic credentials. And it painted a picture of who’s DP heir apparent Mbidde as a dictator in every definition of the word.

It turns out Nambooze and the group that fell off the band and are opposed to Mao style of leadership, have the following options as the opportunity has never been so fertile.

1.Regroup

Nambooze should not walk this mile alone. She should reach out to everyone who has grievances with DP leadership to come forward, and find solutions for the party together. She should consult DP elders on what the party they love should be doing in this age and time. The DP in the cold regrouping can put pressure on Mao to back off his plans fearing for his legacy. I believe Mao is a sober person, but like Nambooze said last week, he’s automated to work for dark forces. But He cares for his legacy which he has worked hard for.

2.First female DP president

Nambooze can also seek DP presidency. She should announce she’s vying for top leadership of the party. If Mbidde is fighting her fearing for a new rival, he will have no need to hide any more. He too will come out to fight for what he desires. The two should table their plan for DP and delegates vote on them.

3.Rally behind another DP leader

Erias Lukwago, Matthias Mpuuga, Luyiga Lulume also want the armband for the party. Nambooze can rally those forces, choose among them a first equal among equals to lead the final assault against Mao-Mbidde.

4.Join Besigye

For long Nambooze has been accused for her closeness with Besigye. She argues that Besigye might not be DP but is the leader of today’s fight against dictatorship. Besigye also is okay to work outside FDC party structure. They can form a third force, without a form of political parties.

5.Take a backseat

Nambooze can also sit back and allow her suspension to elapse. Her adversaries want to use her activities as reasons to expel her from DP for good. While Mao is okay and cannot suspend or expel members who joined Museveni or formed other political parties, it’s surprising he can run down on a member asking for reforms to make his party more appealing.