The President of the Democratic Front (DF) and outgoing Nyendo-Mukungwe Member of Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, has raised concerns over Democratic Party (DP) President and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao’s bid to contest for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, warning that the approach taken by Mao could create complications for the legislature.
Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, the former Leader of Opposition emphasized that superficial fixes could overlook deeper structural problems
“I listened to my brother Hon. Mao speaking about fixing Parliament. That's huge. He wants to fix the roof without fixing the foundation,” he said.
Mpuuga warned that Mao had chosen the wrong tools for the fight, arguing that holding onto “broken pieces to make whole” could generate significant problems in the future.
“Mao is playing someone else’s chess game, not his own,” he said.
Mpuuga’s remarks come in the wake of President Museveni, who also serves as National Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), endorsing Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy 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 Museveni and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, directed that Among and Tayebwa be fronted as the party’s official candidates for the top parliamentary positions.
Party officials said 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 political contestation for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, with multiple MPs, both within the NRM and opposition, 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 a nationwide consultation phase. Speaking at the DP headquarters in Kampala, Mao said he had gathered sufficient views and support from across the country to inform his decision.
The Laroo-Pece MP-elect described corruption as Uganda’s biggest challenge and pledged that, if elected, he would prioritize accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity in Parliament.
Mao emphasized the legislature’s need to reclaim its oversight role and ensure responsible management of public resources.
However, Mao asked supporters not to actively campaign on his behalf, citing his qualifications, experience, and track record as sufficient credentials for the contest.
Mao also described 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 well-thought-out choice for the role, rather than one shaped by circumstance.
Weeks earlier, Mao stated that the DP–NRM cooperation agreement positions him favorably for the Speakership.
Despite the Democratic Party 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 supporters have compared Mao’s leadership style to that of the late Jacob Oulanyah, describing him as conciliatory and capable of presiding over Parliament inclusively.
Mao has already begun consultations with President Museveni under the framework of the DP–NRM cooperation agreement, signaling a strategy rooted in dialogue, consensus-building, and political accommodation rather than confrontation.
Mao is one of at least six candidates vying to lead 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; Masindi District Woman MP Dr. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County — all affiliated with the NRM.
The Speakership race has emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests of the year, with parties and MPs positioning themselves ahead of the first sitting of the newly constituted legislature.