The Pece-Laroo Division MP-elect Hon. Norbert Mao, the President General of the Democratic Party (DP) and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, is gaining momentum as a potential candidate for the Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
Hon Mao’s supporters see him as a reformist and moderate politician who can bring stability to the country’s legislative body.
Mao’s unique blend of humor, satire, and philosophical quotes has earned him a reputation as a skilled orator and politician.
He leverages his knowledge of multiple languages, including Luganda, Lusoga, Runyankore and his Luo, to appeal to a broad audience across Uganda.
Unlike some of his counterparts, Hon Mao affectionately referred to as ‘chairman’ by his peers is known for his willingness to engage in dialogue with perceived political foes, showcasing his commitment to finding common ground.
The outgoing Speaker of Jinja City, Bernard Mbayo, has thrown his weight behind Mao’s bid, pledging to campaign across the country to promote Mao’s vision for a stable and effective Parliament.
“Mao’s leadership is like a breath of fresh air, bringing new ideas and energy to the political table of Uganda’s Parliament…”, Bernard Mbayo said, adding Hon Mao is the leader Uganda needs now at the helm of Parliament.
Mbayo highlighted Mao’s impressive educational background, which includes attending Magwa and Mwiri Primary schools, MM Wairaka College, Namilyango College, and Makerere University, where he graduated with a law degree and served as Guild President.
He says Mao will ‘clean the August house of all sorts of political cobwebs and mediocracy that have recently invaded parliament. This metaphorical statement by Mbayo suggests that Mao is expected to bring about reforms, stability and clean up the institution.
Mbayo’s endorsement increases Mao’s credibility and respect beyond party lines as well as bringing regional support to his campaign potentially influencing eastern region.
With over 90% of the incoming MPs from Busoga believed to be loyalists of Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga the First Deputy Prime Minister/EAC Affairs Minister, the chances of them voting for Hon Norbert Mao over Anita Among are high.
This is largely due to the strained relationship between Kadaga and Among, which could influence the voting dynamics.
Given Kadaga’s significant influence in the region, her supporters are likely to follow her. Should Kadaga endorse Mao, it is likely that most of the Busoga MPs will vote for him, potentially swinging the outcome in his favour.
As a seasoned politician and lawyer, Hon Mao’s bid for the speakership is seen as viable and timely by many Ugandans.
Supporters argue that Mao has the necessary experience, education and leadership skills to lead the House. They also point out that his cooperation agreement with the ruling NRM party could be an asset in his bid.
As Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mao has always stressed the importance of institutional stability and orderly political transition.
His vision for speakership is centered around safeguarding these values and promoting national cohesion.
The current Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament Annette Anita Among is facing significant challenges in representing Uganda internationally due to heavy sanctions by the United Kingdom and the United States.
These sanctions, which include travel bans and asset freezes were put in place due to allegations of corruption and abuse of office. Rt Hon Annette Anita Among has repeatedly denied the allegations which she blames on sponsors of homosexuality.
The UK government sanctioned Among on 30 April,2024 citing her involvement in corruption, specifically the theft of iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in the volatile semi-arid Karamoja sub region.
The US Department of State followed suit on 30 May,2024, designating Among and other Ugandan officials for their involvement in corruption or gross human rights violations.
Consequently, Rt Hon Annette Anita Among has been unable to travel to certain countries including the UK and the US which has limited her ability to represent Uganda in international forums.
For example, she missed the Commonwealth Day annual celebrations in the UK and was also barred from attending the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference on November 3rd to 8th,2024 in Sydney, Australia.
As Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mao has prioritized strengthening anti-corruption frameworks and promoting judicial independence.
He has also been instrumental in advocating for managed transitions and has proposed the revival of the Law Reform Commission to systematically review constitutional amendments.
Mao’s potential ascendancy to the Speaker position has garnered support from various quarters, including some members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. His ability to build coalitions and engage in constructive dialogue could be key assets in his bid for the Speakership.
Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has thrown his weight behind opposition leader Norbert Mao’s bid for the speaker position. In a tweet, Gen Muhoozi described Mao as the “most brilliant opposition leader in Uganda today” with “presidential skills”.
“My big brother @nobertmao is the most brilliant opposition leader in Uganda today. He has presidential skills…”, reads the tweet.
The endorsement has sparked intense debate on social media and mainstream platforms, with many interpreting it as a significant boost to Mao’s ambitions.
Hon Mao and Gen Muhoozi’s relationship is complex, having navigated various political landscapes, including criticizing the ruling party’s actions.
However, they have also collaborated, like the 2022 cooperation agreement between Mao’s DP and President Museveni’s NRM party.
Some see Gen Muhoozi’s tweet as a strategic move to build alliances or prep for future political shifts. The development has added a new layer to Uganda’s evolving political landscape.
As the saying goes, politics makes strange bedfellows – and in Uganda’s complex landscape, alliances can shift like the wind.
A group of young NRM turks has rejected the purported endorsement of Anita Among for the speaker position, calling it outdated and selfish. They argue that key positions like the Speakership should be left open to competition rather than being ring-fenced for specific individuals or groups.
The young NRM supporters content that the party’s CEC is a small group that can easily be compromised with money and inducements and therefore the decision on the Speaker position should be left to the NRM MPs and NRM-leaning independent MPs.
They propose that the party’s National Chairman, President Yoweri Museveni should chair a caucus to discuss and zero in on a suitable candidate for the Speaker position. This approach, they argue would ensure that the party’s interests are represented and that the best candidate emerges for the position.
This development suggests that there are internal dynamics within the NRM that are likely to impact the speakership contests.
The demand for a more open and competitive process is being seen as a bid to reform the party’s internal politics and ensure that key positions are not monopolized by specific individuals or groups who simply get ‘political anointment’.
Analysts warn that if Anita Among thinks she’s got the speaker’s grip this time around, she is in for a rude shock. The 2021 win might have been smooth sailing, but this time, the waters are choppy.
With Gen Muhoozi backing Mao and NRM young turks revolting against her CEC endorsement, billions of shillings might not be enough to secure the votes. It is shaping up to be a fierce battle for the speaker’s chair.
According to commentators, with Mao becoming the Speaker Hon Thomas Tayebwa will likely retain his Deputy Speakership slot.
Meanwhile, watchers say President Museveni is likely to elevate Anita Among as Vice President, potentially shifting Jessica Alupo to a different role such as Uganda’s Representative to the UN.
This potential reshuffle could be a strategic move by Museveni to maintain balance and stability within the government.
By appointing Among as Vice President, analysts say Museveni will be able to consolidate support within the party and Teso sub region.
As for Jessica Alupo, being appointed as Uganda’s representative to the UN could be seen as a diplomatic posting potentially giving her a high-profile role on the international stage where she has been a regular face.
The stage is set for a thrilling contest with both sides dug in and determined to emerge victorious. One thing is clear: whoever wins, Uganda’s democracy will be the real winner.
The country is already watching with keen interest how the outcome will be since the new speaker is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Uganda’s future and guiding the country to a more prosperous and stable tomorrow.
