Kampala, Uganda: Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has formally declared his bid for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, setting up what is shaping into one of the most competitive and politically charged leadership contests in recent history.
Mao confirmed his candidacy on Tuesday, February 24, after days of internal consultations, insisting that the Speakership is a constitutional office elected by Members of Parliament and not the preserve of any single political party.
“I hereby announce my candidacy for Speaker of the 12th Parliament. This is an announcement; it’s not a campaign. I believe in rules. Under the rules of Procedure of Parliament, we are not supposed to campaign,” Mao said while addressing the media at the DP headquarters in Kampala, underscoring his argument that leadership of the House must reflect institutional independence and national interest.
“There are members of Parliament who are supposed to be sworn in in the 12th Parliament who contacted me and wanted to record videos endorsing my candidacy. But I told them that that’s not allowed by the rules,” he added.
According to Mao, a Speaker of Parliament is not supposed to be campaigning. “A Speaker of Parliament is almost like an Archbishop. So, imagine if the Church of Uganda is electing an Archbishop, then you have recordings of Bishops endorsing your candidacy. That would really demean the position of Archbishop. So, I call upon all those who are interested in this position to desist from demeaning the stature of that office.”
The Minister’s entry into the race comes despite the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee having endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Among for continuity. The NRM commands an overwhelming majority in the House — a factor that traditionally carries decisive weight in internal parliamentary elections.
Hon Mao now joins a growing list of contenders that includes Mbale City Woman MP Lydia Wanyoto and State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, both of whom have publicly expressed interest in the Speaker’s seat.
While the former Gulu District LC5 Chairperson leads the Democratic Party (DP), which holds a modest number of seats in the 12th Parliament, political observers say his candidacy reframes the race beyond simple party arithmetic.
Political analysts note that although the NRM’s numerical advantage heavily favours its endorsed candidate, the Speakership is decided by secret ballot — a procedural element that can occasionally introduce unpredictability.
A Test of Parliamentary Independence
Mao’s campaign is expected to hinge on themes of parliamentary autonomy, inclusivity, and what he describes as restoring dignity and decorum to the House.
His declaration signals that the contest may not be a mere formality, despite the NRM’s internal endorsement process. Consultations are intensifying both across party lines and within the NRM caucus as candidates mobilise support ahead of the first sitting of the 12th Parliament.
With multiple contenders now in the race, the Speakership battle is evolving into a defining test of internal party cohesion, cross-party negotiation, and the balance between party loyalty and institutional independence.
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