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Bebe Cool opened up about the deep-rooted friendship he shares with Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao which spans decades.
This bond, the singer says, was what culminated in Mr Mao’s 2022 decision to join and take up a ministerial job in the NRM government which he had opposed for most of his life.
Bebe Cool revealed while appearing on Galaxy TV that he had long admired Mao, considering him one of the most intelligent individuals in Africa.
Their camaraderie often saw them engaging in discussions at local spots like Shell, where they delved into Uganda's political landscape and the potential for positive change.
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Encouraging Active Participation
During one of their many conversations, Bebe Cool challenged Mao's approach to effecting change from the opposition sidelines.
He posed a thought-provoking question: "You are such a bright person. How are you going to feel when you die without using that brain for your country? God will ask you how you put the ideas I gave you to use."
This introspection led to further dialogue about the efficacy of working within the existing government framework to implement meaningful reforms.
Bebe Cool says he suggested that Mao consider engaging directly with President Yoweri Museveni to secure a position where he could actively contribute to national development.
He reasoned that while the president cannot be omnipresent, visionary leaders like Mao could collaborate to drive the nation forward.
“Not even two years passed and Mao joined the government. It does not mean that he is in the NRM, but he is changing things from the inside,” he said.
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The DP-NRM Cooperation Agreement
On July 20, 2022, Norbert Mao, representing the Democratic Party, signed a cooperation agreement with President Museveni's NRM
This pact was supposedly meant to foster a collaborative working relationship focusing on political dialogue, justice, rule of law, and constitutionalism.
The agreement stipulated that Mao would assume the role of Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, with the DP proposing additional members for various governmental positions.
Mao's appointment was part of a broader strategy to ensure that the DP actively participates in governance, aiming to influence policy from within rather than merely opposing from the outside.
Impact and Reactions
The DP-NRM agreement elicited mixed reactions across Uganda's political spectrum.
Some DP members felt sidelined, claiming that the party's structures were not adequately consulted before the agreement. This discontent led to legal challenges questioning the constitutionality of the pact.
Reflecting on the journey, it's evident that Bebe Cool's persistent encouragement played a role in Mao's decision to transition from opposition to a collaborative governmental role.