The President of the Democratic Party (DP) and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has said Parliament requires urgent reforms, arguing that the leadership of the August House must be addressed if public trust in the institution is to be restored.
Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, the Laroo-Pece Member of Parliament-elect said the central question facing the incoming 12th Parliament is whether the institution needs fixing and whether addressing its leadership is part of the solution.
“In order to be respected, you first have to respect yourself. I'm hoping that the MPs of the 12th Parliament respect themselves enough to make decisions in the best interest of the country,” he said.
“The only question before the 12th Parliament is if Parliament needs fixing and if fixing the leadership of Parliament is part of the solutions.”
Mao also spoke about the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Addressing journalists weeks earlier, Mao said the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the ruling NRM places him in a favourable position in the Speakership race.
Mao noted that the NRM’s majority in the incoming Parliament, combined with the DP–NRM partnership, could significantly strengthen his chances.
Echoing his earlier remarks, Mao explained that he joined government under a formal arrangement with the leadership of the ruling party following an agreement that outlines cooperation between the two political organisations.
“The NRM national chairman invited me to join the Cabinet in 2021. I accepted and we signed documents. I believe when people make commitments, they should abide by those commitments,” he said.
Mao emphasised that the agreement between the two parties was formalised in writing and allows for discussions on any political matter.
“Our agreement is in writing. It even has a provision of introducing any topic. What does it hurt NRM and Uganda if a candidate from a partner political party is also considered as a candidate to run the Parliament,” he said.
Mao stressed that the ultimate decision on the leadership of Parliament rests with Members of Parliament themselves.
“I can only be rejected by the electorate, which is the 12th Parliament. I believe that letter from the President must have been on his desk for several days as he mulled over it. I'm better off leaving it to NRM to debate whether they are following their own rules,” he said.
Drawing comparisons to recent leadership changes at Uganda Airlines, where chief executive Jenifer Bamuturaki stepped aside amid investigations by the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit following President Museveni’s directive to probe alleged mismanagement, Mao cautioned that ignoring problems within institutions can invite external intervention.
At the airline, former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive Girma Wake was appointed interim CEO until a substantive replacement is expected in July 2026.
“We pretended that there was nothing wrong with Uganda Airlines. We insisted on the leadership until it was too late. A total foreigner has been brought to fix Uganda Airlines. I'm very similar to that. The truth is Parliament's leadership needs fixing,” he said.
Mao also defended his decision to pursue the Speakership despite political resistance.
“Those who are always talking about realities will never change the world. If the NRA were looking at realities, they wouldn't have attempted to take over the government with only 27 guns. I've always gone against reality,” he said, referencing the historical struggle that brought the National Resistance Army to power.
He also criticised transactional politics, saying some leaders prioritise personal gain over public service.
“Those whose politics is always around eating will talk about things like me being a visitor and having to eat whatever piece is served to me,” he said.
At the same time, Mao suggested that internal disagreements within the ruling party have often created some of its most serious challenges.
“Sometimes your friends are more reliable than your relatives. In fact some of the biggest problems in NRM have come from within,” he said.
Mao revealed that he has formally written to the NRM chairperson regarding his interest in the position and believes the party should at least consider his candidacy.
“I think it would make sense for the NRM to say that they have at least considered my interest. I have written to the NRM chairperson,” he said.
Mao maintained that the issues he is raising about restoring public trust in Parliament are legitimate concerns that require urgent attention.
“The issues I'm raising, like restoring public trust in the institution of Parliament, are real issues. Fix those issues and I will be a happy man,” Mao said.
The remarks come after President Museveni, who also serves as National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for retention as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The endorsement followed resolutions passed during the 8th meeting of the 5th Central Executive Committee held on February 20, 2026.
The resolutions, signed by Museveni and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, resolved that the two leaders be fronted as the party’s official candidates for the top parliamentary positions in the next term.
According to party officials, their names will now be forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for formal adoption as flag bearers when the 12th Parliament convenes.
The early endorsement comes amid heightened political contestation for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, with several Members of Parliament — both within the NRM and from opposition parties — reportedly expressing interest ahead of elections expected during the first sitting of the new Parliament.
Recently, Mao officially declared his bid for Speaker of the next Parliament, stating that his nationwide consultation phase had concluded.
Addressing journalists at the Democratic Party headquarters in Kampala, Mao said he had gathered sufficient views and support from across the country to inform his decision to enter the race for the top legislative seat.
Mao described corruption as Uganda’s biggest challenge, arguing that it has become deeply entrenched among individuals in positions of authority.
He said that, if entrusted with the Speaker’s office, he would prioritise accountability, transparency and institutional integrity within Parliament, emphasising that the legislature must reclaim its oversight role and ensure public resources are managed responsibly.
Despite launching his bid, Mao asked supporters and party members not to actively campaign for him, saying he possesses the qualifications, experience and track record necessary to contest the position.
Mao also described Uganda as having ended up with what he termed an “accidental Speaker” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in September 2022.
According to Mao, the current Speaker Anita Annet Among assumed office due to unforeseen circumstances rather than as part of a long-term leadership plan for Parliament.
However, Mao argues that the country now needs what he calls a deliberate and well-thought-out choice in the next Speakership race rather than one shaped by circumstance.
Mao also revealed that several Members of Parliament, including some from outside the Democratic Party, had reached out to pledge support and assure him of their votes.
Despite the DP currently holding only six seats in Parliament, Mao said his political experience, leadership credentials and alliance with the NRM strengthen his candidacy.
Some of his supporters have also compared his leadership style to that of the late former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, describing Mao as a conciliatory and unifying figure capable of presiding over Parliament with balance and inclusivity.
Mao further disclosed that he has already begun consultations with President Museveni under the framework of the DP–NRM cooperation agreement, signalling that his approach to the Speakership race is rooted in dialogue, consensus-building and political accommodation rather than confrontation.
Mao is one of at least six candidates who have expressed interest in leading the 12th Parliament.
Other contenders include incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; Masindi District Woman MP Florence Asiimwe Akiiki; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County — all affiliated with the NRM.
The race for the Speakership has become one of the most closely watched political contests in Uganda this year.