Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao declared his bid for the position of Speaker of Parliament on Tuesday, becoming the fifth contender in what is shaping into an early and politically charged contest for control of Uganda’s legislature.
Mao, who currently serves as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, put speculations to a halt, signaling a major political challenge to incumbent Speaker Anita Among, whose allies are already mobilizing support for her second term.
In his address to the press, Mao referenced the circumstances that led to the current leadership of Parliament following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in 2022. “When Speaker Oulanyah died, we got an accidental Speaker; it was not meant to be like that, and I am coming to realign affairs,” Mao said, suggesting the need for what he described as institutional recalibration within the August House.
Mao joins a growing list of aspirants eyeing the influential position, including former legislator Lydia Wanyoto, State Minister Persis Namuganza, and legislator Alionzi Odria, alongside the incumbent, Among.
Political observers say Mao’s entry introduces new vigor into the race, given his long parliamentary experience, legal background, and cross-party political engagements since joining government under a cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Analysts argue that his reputation as a seasoned debater and negotiator could position him as a formidable contender capable of appealing beyond traditional party lines. “Many see Mao as the biggest threat to the incumbent’s second term because of his parliamentary experience and perceived ability to manage debate and consensus.” said Dr. John Paul Kasujja, Political Analyst.
Despite emerging competition, senior figures within the ruling party have reiterated their backing for Speaker Among. Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, a former member of the NRM National Executive Council, said party tradition favours continuity in the Speakership. “As NRM, the Speakership runs for two terms uninterrupted, and therefore the party will rally behind Anita Among,” Kiwanda said, emphasizing internal party cohesion ahead of the anticipated contest.
The NRM holds the majority in Parliament, a factor widely viewed as decisive in determining the outcome of leadership elections within the House.
The office of Speaker of Parliament remains one of the most powerful constitutional positions in Uganda, responsible for presiding over legislative debates, maintaining order in the chamber, and guiding parliamentary procedure.
Historically, Speakers have often served multiple terms when backed by the ruling party. The late Jacob Oulanyah succeeded long-serving Speaker Rebecca Kadaga in 2021 after an intense intra-party contest, illustrating how the position frequently reflects broader political negotiations within the NRM and across the national political landscape.
Following Oulanyah’s death in 2022, Anita Among was elected Speaker, becoming one of the youngest legislators to assume the role through power consolidation within the ruling establishment.
Mao’s declaration is expected to spark wider debate about the independence of Parliament, inter-party cooperation, and the balance of power within Uganda’s legislative arm.
As political alignments begin to take shape, attention now turns to whether opposition and independent legislators could rally behind a consensus candidate or whether party loyalty will ultimately determine the outcome.
With months still ahead before any formal vote, the Speakership race is already emerging as a key test of political influence, party discipline, and leadership vision within Uganda’s evolving parliamentary politics.
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