Justice Minsiter Norbert Mao has defended his bid for Speaker of Parliament, arguing that the contest should center on who can restore public confidence in Parliament rather than political party affiliation.
Addressing the media on his candidature on Monday, Democratic Party president and Laroo-Pece MP Mao said many critics dismissed his chances simply because he is not a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), despite the existing cooperation agreement between the two parties.
“The only thing that in their mind disqualifies me is that I am not NRM,” Mao said.
“They have doubts of my victory not because of what I am, but because of what I am not.”
Mao said Parliament is currently facing what he described as a “crisis of confidence” fueled by corruption allegations and increasing public frustration with legislators.
“Who can restore the confidence of the citizens of Uganda in Parliament?” he asked.
“You saw what has happened. I’m sure some of you are shocked by the conduct of your Members of Parliament.”
The former presidential candidate argued that Uganda needed leaders capable of acting independently rather than merely following political currents.
“There is a saying that only dead fish flow with the water. The fish which is alive decides which direction it is going,” he said.
Mao also defended his decision to contest for the speakership, saying his candidature had emerged as a serious challenge to what he described as abuse of office within Parliament.
“There was evidence of abuse of office. Everybody condemned the abuse, but nobody threatened to remove the office from the abuser except Norbert Mao,” he said.
Throughout the briefing, Mao attempted to frame himself as a reform candidate driven by institutional restoration rather than personal ambition. He argued that political change requires action and risk-taking instead of passive commentary.
“Action is what makes a difference, not commentators,” he said, drawing comparisons with historical political struggles including the NRA bush war and Uganda’s military deployment against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
He further claimed that his candidature had altered the political momentum surrounding the Speaker race and energized Ugandans seeking change within Parliament.
“My candidacy for Speaker rallied Ugandans and created momentum which overcame inertia,” Mao said.
The DP president also criticized what he called “scavenger politics,” accusing some politicians of waiting until others take political risks before attempting to benefit politically.
“Even if a hyena eats the food of the lion, it doesn’t become a lion. It remains a hyena,” he said.
Mao insisted the debate should move beyond personalities and focus on the future direction of Parliament and the expectations of Ugandans.
“Let us not reduce this discussion to who will win the speakership. The discussion is who will best deliver what the citizens of Uganda want,” he said.
He added that his interest in the office was tied specifically to the current political moment and the need for reforms within Parliament.
“I’m not in the business of being a two-time Speaker. For me, I’m for this time,” Mao said.
Mao also appealed directly to NRM members and President Yoweri Museveni to support his candidature, arguing that the DP-NRM cooperation agreement was founded on shared national interests including unity, democracy, and development.
“To my friends in the NRM and to the President himself, let us reclaim the spirit of 1986 because at this point we cannot afford to be divided,” he said.
He maintained that corruption remains one of Uganda’s biggest obstacles to development and argued that Parliament requires leadership capable of restoring institutional integrity.
The 12th Parliament is expected to hold its first sitting on May 25 during which lawmakers will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
While the ruling National Resistance Movement has not officially announced its preferred candidate, Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly endorsed Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the position, urging MPs to support his candidature.
Oboth-Oboth was recently unveiled before a group of NRM MPs, ministers, and party leaders during a thanksgiving event in Mukono.
