Gulu, Uganda: Former Gulu District LC5 Vice Chairman Oola Simon has accused Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, of political greed and attempting to “eat everything alone,” escalating tensions in the Laroo–Pece parliamentary race ahead of the 2026 polls.
Oola, who served as District Vice Chairperson under the reign of Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, said Mao, once admired as a fearless defender of the Acholi community, had “lost relevance” and should have nurtured new leaders instead of returning to elective politics.
“Mao already has national legitimacy as president of the Democratic Party. Saying he needs a constituency for legitimacy is crap,” Oola told supporters during a mobilisation meeting.
He recalled Mao’s prominence during the height of the LRA insurgency, especially his confrontation with the late Gen. James Kazini over the arrest of civilians accused of being rebel collaborators. “The Mao of those days was a torchbearer, shining light in the darkness,” Oola said.
Mao ‘changed’ after aligning with Mbabazi
Oola alleged that Mao began shifting politically in the mid-2010s, especially during his alignment with former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi. He claimed Mao had since grown comfortable among “the very people he once called eaters.”
As Minister of Justice, Oola argued, Mao had not delivered for the region: “He wants to be the only one to eat.”
He, however, conceded that Mao remains a strong communicator, adding that he articulates issues better than the other contestants, including NRM’s Tonny Kitara, incumbent Hon. Rev. Fr. Onen, and Simon Opoka, who left DP for UPC after Mao entered the race.
Mao defends comeback: “This is not greed”
While campaigning in Lawiye-Adul, Mao dismissed claims of political greed. He said Uganda was entering a political transition that required tested leadership, citing other veteran politicians such as Crispus Kiyonga and Rebecca Kadaga, who are also returning to Parliament.
In his trademark humour, Mao likened effective representation to drinking malwa: “Gulu needs a leader with the right straw, one that is not blocked, so that I can pull enough from government for the people I represent.”
Mao reaffirmed his long-standing ambition to lead Uganda, saying it remained alive because of his improved working relationship with President Yoweri Museveni, who he said directly invited him into government.
He pledged to spearhead cattle compensation, expand access to water and electricity, fight urban crime, strengthen livelihoods through affordable loans, and push for an increase of PDM allocations in cities from Shs100m to Shs300m per parish.
He also told voters to support President Museveni, arguing that the head of state “still owes the Acholi people” and can only fulfil those obligations while in office.
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