Makerere University law lecturer Godber Tumushabe has warned of what he described as a “systematic breakdown of governance” in Uganda, arguing that Parliament must urgently reclaim its independence and oversight role.
Speaking to Canary Mugume during Next Big Talk hosted by Next Radio, Tumushabe said that in a properly functioning constitutional order, the Speaker’s office is meant to operate as an equal arm of government alongside the Executive and the Judiciary.
“In a normal system, the Speaker’s office is an equal arm of government. Over time, the other two arms have become agents of the Executive. What we’re dealing with is the systematic breakdown of governance in this country,” he said.
Tumushabe suggested that the current political climate has created a perception that the Speaker serves at the pleasure of the Head of State rather than as an independent institutional leader.
“I think the Speaker believes she holds that office at the pleasure of the head of state, and therefore has to be seen to be working to retain the position. Even those coming in, I think that’s their mental programming,” he added.
He expressed strong support for the President of the Democratic Party (DP) and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, describing him as possessing the character and leadership qualities suited for the Speakership.
“The real Norbert Mao, in terms of quality, character and personality, is overqualified for that House compared to the current leadership of Parliament,” Tumushabe said.
Reflecting on their shared history at Makerere University, Tumushabe noted that Mao served as Guild President in 1990 when he joined the institution, while the late Jacob Oulanyah was Speaker of the Makerere University Guild Parliament at the time.
“Those two inspired us,” he said.
Tumushabe’s remarks come amid heightened political activity following Mao’s official declaration of his bid for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Addressing journalists at the Democratic Party headquarters in Kampala, Mao announced the conclusion of his nationwide consultations and confirmed his intention to contest for the top legislative seat.
Mao identified corruption as Uganda’s most pressing challenge and pledged that, if elected Speaker, he would prioritise accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity within Parliament.
“The legislature must reclaim its oversight role and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly,” Mao said.
However, the Democratic Party leader cautioned supporters against actively campaigning for him, maintaining that his qualifications and experience speak for themselves.
Mao previously described Uganda as having ended up with what he termed an “accidental Speaker” following Oulanyah’s death in 2022, arguing that the country now requires a deliberate and well-considered choice in the upcoming Speakership race rather than one shaped by circumstance.
He has also cited the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) as strengthening his prospects, noting that the NRM’s parliamentary majority and the DP–NRM partnership place him in a favourable position.
Other contenders in the race include incumbent Speaker Anita Among, Persis Namuganza, Lydia Wanyoto, Dr. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, and Yorke Odria Alioni — all affiliated with the NRM.
As the 12th Parliament prepares to convene, the contest for the Speakership has emerged as one of the most closely watched political developments in the country.
