Kabweri County Member of Parliament-elect Patrick Wakida has raised doubts about the prospects of Democratic Party President and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao contesting for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, citing political realities and party structures that he believes make the bid difficult.
Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, Wakida emphasised that his remarks were not personal, noting his long-standing friendship with Mao.
“Mao is one of my best friends in this country. Mao is the one who bought a ticket when I was 17 for me to leave this country. He is the one who introduced me to politics in 1996. I want everyone to know that. I don't have any negative personal feelings toward the person of Mao,” he said.
Wakida also highlighted individuals he says he mentored into politics, including Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
“Anita Among and Tayebwa are among the few people I’m proud to say I nurtured into politics,” he said.
However, Wakida stressed that politics is competitive and that parliamentary leadership is unlikely to be handed to Mao by the ruling party.
“We are in a politics of competition. Power is never given on a silver plate. I don't see NRM getting the senior position of Speakership and giving it to DP,” he said.
Wakida argued that the Democratic Party leader cannot simply be counted as an NRM MP and that decisions regarding parliamentary leadership are taken at the caucus level, not in Cabinet.
“Mao can never be counted as an NRM MP. He is DP. Decisions of Parliament aren't taken in the Cabinet but at the caucus,” he said.
“When you are invited to a wedding party, you can't dictate which part and size of the cake you will eat. That's what the cooperation agreement is like,” he added.
Wakida’s remarks come after President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as National Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), endorsed Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for retention in the 12th Parliament.
The endorsement followed resolutions passed during the 8th meeting of the 5th Central Executive Committee (CEC) held on February 20, 2026.
The resolutions, signed by President Museveni and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, instructed that Among and Tayebwa be fronted as the party’s official candidates for the top parliamentary positions.
According to party officials, 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 growing political contestation for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, with several MPs — both within the NRM and opposition parties — reportedly expressing interest ahead of elections expected during the first sitting of the new Parliament.
Recently, Mao officially declared his intention to contest for the Speakership after concluding nationwide consultations.
Speaking at the Democratic Party headquarters in Kampala, Mao said he had gathered sufficient views and support to inform his decision.
The Laroo-Pece Member of Parliament-elect described corruption as Uganda’s biggest challenge, arguing it has become entrenched among individuals in positions of authority. He pledged that, if elected, he would prioritise accountability, transparency and institutional integrity in Parliament.
Mao also said the legislature must reclaim its oversight role and ensure responsible management of public resources.
However, he urged supporters not to actively campaign for him, saying his qualifications, experience and track record speak for themselves.
Mao also referred to the current Speakership as “accidental,” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in September 2022. He argued that the country now needs a deliberate and carefully considered choice for the role rather than one shaped by circumstance.
Weeks earlier, Mao asserted that the Democratic Party–NRM cooperation agreement positions him favourably for the Speakership.
Despite DP holding only six seats in Parliament, Mao said his political experience, leadership credentials and alliances with NRM members across party lines strengthen his bid.
Some of Mao’s supporters have compared his leadership style to that of the late Jacob Oulanyah, describing him as conciliatory and capable of presiding over Parliament inclusively.
Mao has also begun consultations with President Museveni under the framework of the DP–NRM cooperation agreement, signalling a strategy rooted in dialogue and consensus-building rather than confrontation.
Mao is among at least six candidates vying to lead the 12th Parliament.
Other contenders are Bukono County MP and State Minister for Housing Persis Namuganza, Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto, Masindi District Woman MP Florence Asiimwe, and Yorke Alioni Odria, MP for Aringa South County — all affiliated with the NRM.
The Speakership race has now become one of the most closely watched political contests of the year, as parties and MPs position themselves ahead of the first sitting of the newly constituted legislature.
