The contest for the leadership of Uganda’s incoming 12th Parliament took a dramatic turn today as Democratic Party (DP) President General and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, formally announced his candidature for Speaker.

Speaking at a packed press conference at the DP headquarters in Kampala, Mao declared that the long phase of consultations with incoming MPs and stakeholders was over.

“This morning, I came to announce my candidacy for Speaker of the 12th Parliament,” he stated, positioning himself as a serious contender in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive parliamentary leadership races in recent years.

Mao, who was elected MP for Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu District in the recent polls, stressed that the Speakership is a constitutional office belonging to Parliament as an institution — not the preserve of any single political party.

“The Speaker belongs to Parliament, not to a party,” he told journalists.

He added that the only major qualification required is being a Member of Parliament, making every one of the newly elected MPs eligible — “just like all cardinals in the Conclave are qualified to be Pope.”

Challenging the NRM Endorsement

The announcement directly challenges the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), whose Central Executive Committee (CEC) — chaired by President Yoweri Museveni — unanimously endorsed incumbent Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among for re-election and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker during a meeting at State House, Entebbe, on January 27, 2026.

The move was framed as ensuring continuity for the 12th Parliament, which is expected to convene in May 2026.

Despite the NRM’s overwhelming majority in the House, the Speakership is decided by secret ballot, leaving room for cross-party dynamics and surprises.

Mao has framed his bid as a push for greater institutional independence and dignity.

Vision for Parliament and Critique of Current Leadership

Mao identified corruption as Uganda’s biggest challenge, describing it as entrenched and involving “huge sums of money that undermine service delivery and erode public trust in institutions.”

If elected, he pledged to restore accountability, transparency, parliamentary oversight, autonomy, and decorum.

He has also been vocal in describing incumbent Speaker Among as an “accidental Speaker” who assumed the role in 2022 after the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, calling instead for a “deliberate choice” focused on strengthening Parliament’s independence from the Executive.

Mao urged his supporters not to engage in open campaigning, reminding them that parliamentary Rule 5 prohibits it and that candidates do not even speak during the election itself.

“I am sorry to all my supporters; please do not campaign for me. My record and credentials speak for themselves,” he said.

Mao joins a growing list of aspirants, including Mbale City Woman MP Lydia Wanyoto Mutende and State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Persis Namuganza, both of whom have already declared interest and are consulting widely.

What Lies Ahead

Political analysts note that while the NRM’s numerical strength gives Among and Tayebwa a strong starting position, Mao’s entry — coming from a smaller opposition party — highlights broader debates about parliamentary autonomy, institutional reforms, and whether loyalty to party or country should prevail in secret-ballot leadership contests.

The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is scheduled for the first sitting of the 12th Parliament.

With behind-the-scenes lobbying already intensifying, Mao’s bold declaration ensures the race will be anything but a formality.