Prominent lawyer and political analyst Rogers Barigayomwe has questioned the viability of Democratic Party (DP) President and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao’s bid for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, describing it as largely speculative and more of a bargaining tactic than a genuine attempt to lead the legislature.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with NBS Television on Wednesday, Barigayomwe Barigayomwe expressed skepticism over the seriousness of Mao’s bid.
“I think Norbert Mao and the Democratic Party exaggerated themselves. Given their experience, they should have known that this was a joke and would never be allowed by the NRM. At no point would Norbert Mao be supported by the ruling party.”
Answering questions on whether or not Mao’s approach was characteristic of his political style.
“Norbert Mao would have known the reality, but I think he wanted to bargain for another position. By putting up a spirited fight, he may have hoped to be offered the position of Prime Minister or something similar. It was a bargaining tactic, not a genuine attempt to win the Speakership,” he said.
Barigayomwe also suggested that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will continue to tightly manage parliamentary politics, warning that party members are unlikely to challenge decisions due to the expectation of rewards and political packages.
“Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa will enter the race when promises are made and bargains struck,” he noted, emphasizing Among’s ability to lobby effectively behind the scenes.
Barigayomwe’s remarks come shortly after President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as NRM National Chairman, officially endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for retention in the 12th Parliament.
The endorsements followed resolutions passed during the 8th meeting of the 5th Central Executive Committee (CEC) held on Friday, February 20, 2026.
The resolutions, signed by Museveni and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, resolved that Among and Tayebwa be fronted as the party’s official candidates for the top parliamentary positions in the next term. Party officials confirmed that the 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 competition for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, with several Members of Parliament—both within NRM and opposition ranks—reportedly expressing interest ahead of the elections expected during the first sitting of the new Parliament.
Mao recently declared his bid for Speaker, stating that his nationwide consultation phase has 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 has been vocal about corruption, describing it as Uganda’s biggest challenge. He pledged that, if entrusted with the Speaker’s office, he would prioritise accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity within Parliament, emphasizing the need to reclaim the legislature’s oversight role and ensure responsible management of public resources.
Despite his declarations, Mao asked supporters and party members not to actively campaign for him, asserting that his qualifications, experience, and track record speak for themselves.
Mao also described the current Speakership as “accidental,” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in September 2022, arguing that the country now needs a deliberate and well-thought-out choice rather than a leadership shaped by circumstance.
Weeks ago, Mao claimed that the Democratic Party–NRM cooperation agreement positions him favorably in the Speakership race. He highlighted that the NRM’s parliamentary majority, combined with the alliance, strengthens his chances.
Mao also revealed that several MPs, including those outside the Democratic Party, have pledged support, citing his political experience and leadership credentials. Some supporters have even compared his leadership style to that of the late Jacob Oulanyah, portraying him as a conciliatory and unifying figure.
Mao confirmed that he has begun consultations with President Museveni under the DP–NRM cooperation framework, signaling a strategy rooted in dialogue, consensus-building, and political accommodation rather than confrontation.
Mao is one of at least six candidates expressing interest in leading the 12th Parliament.
Other contenders include incumbent Speaker Anita Among; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; Dr. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, Masindi District Woman MP; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County—all affiliated with the ruling NRM.
The Speakership race has now emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests of the year, with intense scrutiny on both party negotiations and parliamentary dynamics
