WORD BY WORD: Here’s the Full Cooperation Agreement Norbert Mao Signed with Museveni at State House Entebbe

Contents of the co-operation agreement between Democratic Party (DP) President President General Norbert Mao and President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s NRM are now public.

The Agreement, which was signed on Wednesday, July 20, indicates that Mao will be Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister up to the year 2026 while another member of the DP will be appointed junior minister.

Read the 42-clause cooperation agreement between Museveni and Mao below:

COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND THE NATIONAL RESISTANCE MOVEMENT

THIS COOPERATION AGREEMENT is entered into by and between THE NATIONAL RESISTANCE MOVEMENT of Plot 10 Kyadondo Road, P.O. Box Kampala and THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY of Plot 2/3 William Street, P.O. Box Kampala (collectively referred to herein after as the parties). The signatories herein warrant their full authority from the irrespective entities to append their signatures and that cooperation agreement binds the principals and their entities.

By accepting this Agreement, it is recognized to be the duty of the Parties to cooperate in good faith and fully with each other, both individually and collectively, for the advancement of the purposes of this Agreement and in accordance with the terms herein below.

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

PRINCIPLES

The Parties confirm their commitment to a strong, cohesive, united and inclusive Uganda. The parties reaffirm their belief that these values are a necessary prerequisite for social, political and economic success and stability of Uganda.

The parties seek to work for a nation that provides freedom and security for all its citizens, fulfils its sovereign duties, provides the necessary inspiration and ensures that society is free, fair and inclusive.

Likewise, the Parties consider a fundamental aspect of this Agreement to be their commitment to the established bases for relations between themselves, which are centered on equality, reciprocity and mutual respect.

The parties recommit to the respect for and the promotion of democratic principles, respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms as laid down in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and in the core international human-rights instruments and their optional protocols which are applicable to Uganda, and respect for the rule of law constitute an essential element of this Agreement.

The Parties commit to seeking a national consensus through an inclusive national dialogue process, redressing accountabilitygaps and other important national priorities determined in accordance with the cooperation agreement or through subsequent mutual agreements.

The parties commit to working in the best interests of Uganda and Ugandans, working to honour the national motto For God and My Country, and building and maintaining public confidence in the integrity of governance processes.

COOPERATION OBJECTIVES

The Parties agree that the objectives of this Agreement are to:

• consolidate and strengthen existing constructive and enduring working relationship between the Parties in the areas of political dialogue, justice, rule of law and constitutionalism on the basis of mutual respect, reciprocity, common interest and respect for the sovereignty and independence of the Parties.
• provide a comprehensive framework for promotingunderstanding, encouraging contact, results oriented dialogue and cooperation.
• strengthen political relations and promote exchanges and mutual understanding on issues of common and nationalinterest. The Parties agree that political dialogue shall take place at regular intervals at senior official and political level and cover all aspects of mutual interest. The issues to be addressed in the political dialogue shall be agreed in advance by the Parties

Nature of agreement 

3. The Democratic Party agrees to cooperate with the National Resistance Movement in supporting the overall governance agenda and supporting parliamentary votes on matters of confidence and supply for the full term of this Parliament. In addition, the Democratic Party will support the National Resistance Movement Government on procedural motions in the House and at Select/Sessional Committees on the terms set out in  this  agreement.  This will provide Ugandans  with  the  certainty  of  a  strong, stable Government with support from the Democratic Party over the next five years.
4. The Democratic Party will determine its own position in relation to any policy or legislative matter not covered by the Ministerial portfolios and areas of cooperation set out in this agreement. Differences of position within such portfolios and areas of cooperation will be managed in accordance with this agreement.
5. The National Resistance Movement Government in turn commits to working constructively with the Democratic Party to advance the policy goals set out in this agreement, alongside NRM’s policy programme. The NRM government undertakes to consider for incorporation the broad policy objectives of the Democratic party outlined in its manifesto and annexed to this agreement.

Ministerial positions                  

6. The NRM Government’s priorities for this term  centre  on  a  COVID-19  recovery  plan.  This includes the implementation of NRM  manifesto promises and an economic plan, with a focus on investing in our people and preparing for the future.
7. The Democratic Party’s aspirations include enabling a Peaceful Democratic Presidential Transition which is something Ugandans yearn to see. In addition, the Democratic Party is committed to Servant Leadership; Reconciling Uganda; A New Consensus; Ending Corruption and Shared Prosperity. The Democratic Party in particular believes in facilitating a credible, properly mediated and agenda led National Dialogue as the means of a New Consensus putting Uganda first.
8. This agreement supports the advance of the Government’s priorities  by  allocating  portfolios  and establishing  areas  of  cooperation  that  are  consistent  with  the  direction  and  goals  of  the  NRM Government, as well as contributing to addressing the Democratic Party’s aspirations.
9. The Democratic Party will hold the following portfolios inside of Cabinet:

Norbert Mao will be appointed to the position of Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.   Another Democratic leader will be appointed to a junior ministerial position.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby expressly agreed that these Ministers shall hold their portfolios for the full term of the 11th Parliament or for the duration of this agreement, whichever comes first.

10. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs will be the lead minister for coordinating the National Dialogue and the whole of government response on Constitutional Reforms with the mandate to coordinate Budget proposals in the Justice Law and Order Sector.
11. The Ministerial portfolios and other public sector appointments offered to the Democratic Party shall reflect areas where DP expertise provides a valuable contribution to the NRM Government.
12. Ministers  from  the  Democratic Party  will  attend  Cabinet  Committees  for  items  relevant  to  their  portfolios and receive Cabinet Papers relevant to their portfolios, as provided for in the rules regulating Cabinet.
13. In addition, the National Resistance Movement will support the nomination of a Democratic Party Member of Parliament to be the Chair of a Standing Committee, as well as a Democratic Party Member of Parliament in the role of Deputy Chair of an additional Committee.

In addition, the parties agree as follows:

The National Resistance Movement will support the election of the Democratic Party candidate to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

The National Resistance Movement shall support the nomination of a Democratic Party Member of Parliament to be the Chair of a Standing Committee, as well as a Democratic Party Member of Parliament in the role of Deputy Chair of an additional Committee.

The Democratic Party shall propose up to four individuals for appointment to departments, statutory bodies and government agencies, the portfolio of which shall be discussed and agreed upon in advance by both parties.

Areas of cooperation 

14. The parties will cooperate on agreed areas where the Democratic Party and National Resistance Movement have common goals:
15. These areas of cooperation shall reflect common goals between the National Resistance Movement and Democratic Party, and represent areas where the policy and experience of the Democratic Party provides a positive contribution to the National Resistance Movement Government.
16. The Parties will work together in good faith and cooperate with each other in respect of Executive and Parliamentary activities to advance these shared goals, including any public statements. The President may from time to time issue letters of expectations to Ministers and other officials from the Democratic Party and these letters will reflect the areas of policy cooperation and consultation processes required.
17. Beyond these stated areas of  cooperation, it  is  also the  Government’s  intention  to  work  with  political parties from across Parliament (including the Opposition) on issues that affect our democracy, including  the  recommendations of the Supreme Court on Electoral Reforms, Recommendations made to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on Constitutional Reforms  and the length of the Parliamentary term.

Consultation 

18. On the areas of cooperation set out in this agreement, or other matters as agreed, the parties commit to undertaking political consultation between the responsible Minister and the appropriate spokesperson. This process will also apply to Democratic Party Ministerial portfolio matters.
19. This process, which will be agreed between  the parties will cover:
20.  the initial policy development, including access to relevant papers and drafts of legislation,
21.  the development of Cabinet Papers,
22.  the public communication of the policy to acknowledge the role of the Democratic Party.
23. The National Resistance Movement Government will also brief the Democratic Party on:
24.  the broad outline of the legislative programme
25.  broad Budget parameters and process.
26. Outside of the areas specified in this agreement, there will be no requirement for consultation, but this could happen on a case by case basis.
27. Where there has been full participation in the development of a policy initiative and that participation has led to an agreed position, it is expected that both parties to this agreement will publicly support the process and outcome. This does not prevent the parties from noting where the agreed position deviates from their stated policy.

Relationship between the parties 

23. The Democratic Party and National Resistance Movement will cooperate with each other with mutual respect on the areas set out in this agreement. Cooperation will include joint announcements relating to areas of policy cooperation.
24. The Leader of the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement will meet every three months or as required to monitor progress  against the  areas  of  cooperation set out  in  this  agreement. The Secretaries General will meet regularly.
25. The  parties  agree  that  any  concerns  will  be  raised  in  confidence  as  early as  possible  and  in  good faith, between the Parliamentary Whips of the parties.  Matters can be escalated to the Secretaries General, and then Party leaders, as required.
26. The  parties  may  establish  a  process  in  order  to  maintain  different  public  positions on  the  areas  of cooperation. The parties  agree that  matters of differentiation will be dealt with on a ‘no  surprises’ basis.
27. This agreement will evolve as the term of Government progresses, including through opening up potential additional areas of  cooperation.  Any additional areas of  cooperation  will  be  agreed  to between the Party leaders and given effect by a letter from them to the relevant Minister.

Cabinet Rules

28. Democratic Party Ministers agree to be bound by the Cabinet Rules in the exercise of Ministerial Responsibilities, and in particular, agree to be bound by the provisions on conduct, public duty, and personal interests of Ministers.

Collective responsibility 

29. Ministers from the Democratic Party agree to be bound by collective responsibility in relation to their Ministerial portfolios. When speaking within portfolio responsibilities, they will speak for the Government representing the Government’s position in relation to those responsibilities.
30. In accordance with the Cabinet Rules, Ministers from the Democratic Party must support and implement Cabinet decisions in their portfolio areas. However, Ministers from the Democratic Party will not be restricted from noting where that policy may deviate from the Democratic Party policy on an issue. If this is required, it may be noted in the Cabinet minute that on a key issue, the Democratic Party position differs from the Cabinet decision.
31. When Ministers from the Democratic Party are speaking about matters outside of their portfolio responsibilities, they may speak on behalf of the Democratic Party or as Members of Parliament.
32. Agree to disagree provisions of the Cabinet Rules if any will be applied as necessary.

Confidentiality 

33. Ministers from the Democratic Party will be bound by the  principle  of Cabinet confidentiality, as set out in the Cabinet Rules.
34. Where Cabinet papers or other briefings are provided to the Democratic Party, or where the Democratic Party is involved in consultation on legislation, policy or budgetary matters, all such material and discussions shall be confidential unless otherwise agreed.
35. In  the  event  that  Government  or  Cabinet  papers  are  provided  to  the  Democratic Party  for  the  purposes of political consultation they shall be provided to a designated person within the Democratic Party,  who will take  responsibility for  ensuring they  are treated with the appropriate degree of confidentiality.
36. Once confidential information is in the public domain, both parties are able to make comment on the information, subject to any constraints required by collective responsibility or this agreement.

Management of Parliamentary activities 

37. Both parties commit to a ‘no surprises’ approach for House and Committee business. Protocols will be established for managing this.
38. The Leader of Government Business will keep the Democratic Party informed about the House programme in advance of each sitting session.
39. Consultation on legislation outside of the scope of this agreement will be conducted on a case by case basis. The Democratic Party will consider its position on each Bill in good faith and advise the relevant Minister and the President’s Office.
40. The Parties agree to a ‘no surprises’ approach to new private Members’ Bills. However, neither party is under any obligation to support the other party’s private Members’ Bills.
41. The Democratic Party will support the Government on procedural motions in the House and in Committees, subject to consultation being undertaken. This excludes urgency, which will be negotiated on a  case  by  case  basis.  The National Resistance Movement Party Whip  and  Democratic Party Whip will  establish protocols to ensure these processes work effectively to meet the expectations of both parties.
42. The Democratic Party undertakes to keep full voting numbers present whenever the House is sitting where the Democratic Party has committed to support the National Resistance Movement Government and on matters of confidence and supply. The Democratic Party also undertakes to keep full voting numbers in Committee, unless otherwise agreed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto set their hands and seals effective as of the day and year first above written.

As part of this agreement, Museveni has already appointed Norbert Mao the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister. Minister Peter Ogwang has been sent to work under First Lady Janet Museveni while Hamson Obua has eaten big in a mini cabinet reshuffle. (Read Stories Here and There).

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