The exchange, which has drawn in Mao’s wife Beatrice, signals an intensifying contest over the future leadership of Parliament.
The dispute stems from remarks made Tuesday by Mao, President General of the Democratic Party, as he launched his bid to unseat Speaker Among.
Mao described Uganda as having ended up with what he termed an “accidental Speaker” following the death of Jacob Oulanyah in March 2022.
Oulanyah died while serving as Speaker, creating a vacancy that Parliament filled in accordance with constitutional procedures. Ms Among, who had been Deputy Speaker, was subsequently elected to the top office.
“Oulanyah passed away while still serving as Speaker, creating a vacancy that had to be filled,” Mao said, arguing that the transition altered the intended course of Parliament’s leadership.
He added that the country now needs what he called a deliberate and well-thought-out choice in the next Speakership race, rather than one shaped by circumstance.
“We need to make a conscious decision about the kind of leadership Parliament requires,” Mao said, adding that strong institutions depend on intentional leadership choices.
But the remarks triggered an immediate and sharp response from Daudi Kabanda, Member of Parliament for Kasambya County and General Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
In a post on X, Kabanda wrote: “According to Chairman Mao we have an accidental speaker created by the unfortunate passing of Rt Hon OJ. Well, it’s sad that he is going this path. Very sad statement from him indeed. But if the death of OJ created an accidental speaker, then it at the same time created an accidental minister of constitutional affairs in the name of Mao.”
Kabanda argued that Mao, who had been active in politics for years, only joined Cabinet after Oulanyah’s death.
“So if the death of OJ was a blessing in disguise to AAA, as MAO says, then it was also a blessing in disguise for him. I advise Chairman Mao to tread carefully on this sentimental matter of OJ. He may not milk it politically as much as he thinks,” Kabanda posted.
In a separate message, Kabanda added: “The promoters of Chairman Mao should remind him that silence and decorum helped OJ to become Speaker. Insulting opponents is a wrong direction.”
The online exchange soon drew in Mao’s wife, Beatrice Mao, who responded directly to Kabanda.
“It should be yourself to be silent. Let a sister and a brother sort themselves without us interfering in their political affairs,” she wrote.
Kabanda fired back, insisting that as a Member of Parliament who votes in the election of a Speaker, he was entitled to express his views publicly.
Beatrice Mao responded: “A voter should analyse the candidates in silence and make sure his decisions are not biased.”
Kabanda replied: “Chairman Mao should also have announced his candidature in silence.”
Mao has defended his position as part of a broader argument about institutional strength and accountability. He says his bid for the Speakership is aimed at restoring what he describes as Parliament’s independence and oversight role, while maintaining constructive engagement with the Executive.
The heated exchange marks an early and increasingly personal phase of positioning ahead of a potential Speakership contest.
The race for Speaker of Parliament has so far attracted at least five contenders - including Aringa South MP Alioni Odria, Bukono County and junior Lands minister Persis Namuganza, and Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto - setting the stage for an intense political contest.
Last month, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Resistance Movement endorsed Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for continuity in the 12th Parliament.
However, the decision has not gone unchallenged within the ruling party, with some members insisting that the Speakership should be subjected to a full vote by the parliamentary caucus rather than settled by endorsement.
The Speaker of Parliament occupies one of the most powerful offices in Uganda’s political system, presiding over House proceedings, maintaining order and guiding legislative business.
With emotions still raw over Oulanyah’s death and political alliances shifting, the debate over whether leadership transitions born of tragedy can be described as “accidental” appears set to dominate the emerging race for control of Parliament.