The President of the Democratic Party (DP) and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has said his candidature for Speaker of Parliament represents a “paradigm shift” in legislative leadership, positioning himself as a consensus-builder committed to strengthening institutions and fostering a people-centred Parliament.
Speaking during NBS Morning Breeze on Wednesday, the Laroo-Pece Member of Parliament-elect said his bid is not rooted in entitlement but in what he described as a qualitative shift in the type of Parliament Uganda needs over the next five years.
“My candidature for speakership potentially presents a paradigm shift like the Uganda Cranes. We might have rivalries between SC Villa and Express but when we go for Afcon, we are Uganda Cranes. These next five years are going to be very pivotal for Ugandans. This is a season for consensus-building,” he said.
Mao addressed recent debate surrounding his description of Uganda having ended up with what he termed an “accidental Speaker” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in September 2022.
Oulanyah passed away in Seattle, US, while still serving as Speaker, creating a constitutional vacancy that led to the election of then-Deputy Speaker Anita Annet Among to the top parliamentary office.
“When I talked about an accident, it’s simply the truth. When that unfortunate death occurred, I had been invited to accompany the then Deputy Speaker to Seattle. We had hoped the Speaker would overcome his sickness and come back,” he said.
“I told the then Deputy Speaker that we have to accept what happened but also, from the look of things, she was poised to be Speaker of Parliament. I told her that she hadn’t done anything to assume that position; it was an act of God. I told her to lead with humility and gratitude.”
Mao clarified that his remarks were not intended as a personal attack but as a reflection on the circumstances under which the transition occurred.
He praised Oulanyah’s leadership style, describing him as committed to high-quality debate and a people-centred Parliament.
“The late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah was committed to high-quality debate. He wanted to lead a people-centred Parliament,” he said, adding that it is not his role to judge the performance of the 11th Parliament.
On Tuesday, Mao officially announced the conclusion of his nationwide consultation phase regarding the Speakership of the 12th Parliament.
Addressing the media, he said he had gathered sufficient views and support from different regions of the country.
“The consultation phase is now over. I have listened to Ugandans from different regions, and I am ready to offer myself for the position of Speaker,” he said.
Mao argued that strong institutions depend on deliberate and intentional leadership decisions.
“We need to make a conscious decision about the kind of leadership Parliament requires,” he said, noting that the Speakership should not be treated as a matter of routine succession but as a strategic institutional choice.
At a press conference weeks ago, Mao addressed the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), saying it places him at an advantage in the race given the NRM’s majority in the incoming 12th Parliament.
“The DP–NRM co-operation agreement is not mysterious. The whole content of the agreement is out there with its signatures,” he said.
Although the DP currently has only six MPs, Mao said the partnership with the NRM, combined with his experience and leadership credentials, strengthens his prospects. He disclosed that several Members of Parliament—including legislators outside the DP—have reached out to him, pledging support and assuring him of their votes.
“Contrary to what people think, I don’t have a sense of entitlement. In politics, we look at interests. The ruling party has its interests and the party I belong to has its interests. Those talking about numbers don’t know that there comes a time when it’s not about numbers,” he said.
Mao acknowledged that both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker enjoy substantial support in the House but cautioned against political exclusion.
“I would be dishonest not to consider that. What I find disturbing is when you disown a partner completely because that partner wants to be Speaker,” he said.
Branding himself as a “serious partner” of the NRM, Mao said he does not expect to be dismissed by his partners in the cooperation framework.
Mao further revealed that he has begun consultations with President Yoweri Museveni under the cooperation agreement, signaling that his bid is grounded in dialogue and consensus-building rather than confrontation.
However, Mao dismissed claims that he routinely seeks support from Gen. Salim Saleh, stating that he has never discussed the Speakership with him and noting that Saleh is cautious about matters involving the NRM.
Mao framed the decision before MPs as a straightforward assessment of value.
“The only question before the MPs is whether a Norbert Mao speakership would be an improvement or not. If it is an improvement, they will find comfort in voting for me,” he said.
Mao emphasized that his election would represent a qualitative change in the character of Parliament.
“I will still be standing as a living sacrifice for the things I believe in. I’ve already discussed why I’m in this race. I believe that my election would be a qualitative change in the type of Parliament we shall have,” he said, adding that MPs are looking for a Speaker who represents institutional authority rather than individual dominance.
“I think the MPs want a Speaker who will represent institutional power as opposed to individual power. They want a Speaker who will respect them and one who is capable of raising the bar. That is what I represent,” he said.
Mao argued that he embodies integrity and principled leadership.
“My record speaks for itself. I always leave wherever I go better than I found it. I represent integrity. I believe that a leader of a branch of government should manifest integrity. I am actually the right person for the right time,” he said.
Mao is one of at least five candidates who have expressed interest in leading the 12th Parliament. Others include incumbent Speaker Anita Among; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County—all affiliated with the National Resistance Movement.
Some of Mao’s supporters have likened his leadership style to that of the late Jacob Oulanyah, describing him as conciliatory, exceptional, and unifying.
As the race for the 12th Parliament’s top seat gathers momentum, Mao maintains that the ultimate goal is a legislature anchored in public ownership and strong institutions.
“We want to have a Parliament owned by the people. That’s what we mean by a people-centred Parliament,” he said.