Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has formally declared his candidacy for the position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament, escalating what is fast becoming one of the most competitive leadership contests in recent parliamentary history.
Mao confirmed his bid after days of consultations, stating that the Speakership is a constitutional office open to election by Members of Parliament and not the preserve of any single political party.
“The Speaker belongs to Parliament, not to a party,” Mao said, reiterating his earlier position that leadership of the House must reflect institutional independence and national interest.
His official entry comes despite the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) having endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Among for continuity. The NRM commands an overwhelming majority in the House, a factor that traditionally carries decisive weight in internal parliamentary elections.
Expanding Field
Mao now joins an expanding list of contenders that includes Mbale City Woman MP Lydia Wanyoto and State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, both of whom have declared interest in the Speaker’s seat.
While Mao leads the Democratic Party (DP), which holds a small number of seats in the 12th Parliament, analysts say his candidacy introduces a cross-party dimension to the race and reframes the debate around constitutional legitimacy rather than sheer numerical dominance.
Political Significance
Mao’s declaration signals that the Speakership contest may not be a mere formality, despite the NRM’s majority and CEC endorsement. His campaign is expected to focus on parliamentary autonomy, inclusivity, and restoring what he has described as the dignity of the House.
Insiders note that while the arithmetic heavily favours the ruling party’s preferred candidate, parliamentary leadership elections are conducted by secret ballot — a factor that occasionally introduces unpredictability into outcomes.
With multiple candidates now officially in the race, consultations are intensifying across party lines and within the NRM caucus. The coming weeks are expected to feature heightened mobilisation, bloc negotiations, and strategic positioning ahead of the first sitting of the 12th Parliament.
For now, Mao’s formal entry confirms one thing: the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament is no longer assumed — it is actively contested.
