Lawyer and political analyst Professor Rogers Barigayomwe has cast doubt on Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao’s bid for the Speakership of Uganda’s Twelfth Parliament, suggesting it is intended more as a bargaining tool than a serious contest for the position.
Speaking to Canary Mugume on Next Big Talk hosted by Next Radio on Tuesday, Barigayomwe highlighted the ruling National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) clear numerical advantage in the upcoming Parliament, making the speakership outcome largely predictable.
“Going by the numbers, NRM has an advantage in the speakership race for the Twelfth Parliament. I don’t think there is going to be any serious debate in the Twelfth Parliament; it is just going to be rubber-stamping,” he said.
The analyst also pointed to the lack of strong opposition contenders for the influential post, arguing that the political environment does not suggest a competitive or transformative race.
“This time around, we have not had any serious opposition figure interested in the speakership race, except for Mao. For Norbert Mao’s politics, don’t take it seriously that he is interested in the speakership race. He is just using it for bargaining power,” Barigayomwe said.
He emphasized that the more important issues for the Twelfth Parliament should revolve around national cohesion and equitable development.
“The real conversation that should take place in the Twelfth Parliament is how to bring all the regions in Uganda together, sharing the national cake,” he said.
Barigayomwe’s comments come amid recent statements by Mao, who told the media last week that the DP’s cooperation agreement with the NRM positions him favorably in the speakership race.
Mao noted that the NRM majority, combined with the DP–NRM partnership, strengthens his chances despite the DP holding only six seats in Parliament.
Mao added that several MPs from outside the DP have reached out to pledge support for his bid.
Some supporters have compared his leadership style to the late former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, portraying Mao as a conciliatory and unifying figure capable of presiding over Parliament inclusively.
Mao has also begun consultations with President Museveni under the DP–NRM cooperation framework, signaling an approach focused on dialogue, consensus-building, and political accommodation rather than confrontation.
