Former Gulu Municipality Member of Parliament, Lyandro Komakech, has weighed in on the intensifying race for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, cautioning that the contest should remain open, fair, and impartial.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with NBS Television on Thursday, Komakech, a staunch
member of the Democratic Party (DP), expressed concern over the high tension and dramatization surrounding the upcoming parliamentary elections.
“In this country, we have done many experiments in terms of what is in politics. In 1962, we adopted the Commonwealth model of Parliament, which today there’s talk that it may be reviewed. In a normal process, we expect the Speakership race not to raise a lot of dust,” g said.
Komakech emphasized the importance of impartiality, noting that a Speaker must maintain balanced relations with both government and opposition MPs.
“In the Ugandan Parliament, we have turned the Speakership race into a do-or-die contest, which should not be the case,” he said.
On the entry of Democratic Party (DP) President and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao into the contest, Komakech said it should not come as a surprise.
“The field should be open for people to express their will to run the 12th August House. I don’t believe there are rebel minds in some of these things; it’s a shock that we have taken this too seriously. If Anita Among deserves to be Speaker, let the door be open for those who want to contest,” he said.
Regarding Mao’s prospects, Komakech said, “You never know whether or not Mao will win despite the endorsement. In this country, anything can happen, and we should be ready for shocks. On a scale from six to ten, the tables can be turned; a miracle can happen and Mao could be Speaker.”
Komakech’s comments follow the recent endorsement of Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa by President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as National Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The endorsements came after resolutions passed during the 8th meeting of the 5th Central Executive Committee (CEC) on February 20, 2026.
Signed by Museveni and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, the resolutions direct that Among and Tayebwa be fronted as the party’s official candidates for the top parliamentary positions.
Their names will now be forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for formal adoption 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 bid for Speaker after concluding a nationwide consultation phase. Speaking at the DP headquarters in Kampala, he 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 contesting the role.
Mao also described the current Speakership as “accidental,” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in September 2022.
Mao 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 noted that the DP–NRM cooperation agreement positions him favorably for the Speakership. Despite the Democratic Party holding only six seats in Parliament, he 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 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 DP–NRM framework, 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 of the above candidates are affiliated with the ruling 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.