Mao unveils tough reform agenda if elected Speaker

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In a bold move, the Democratic Party (DP) President General and Laroo-pece division Member of Parliament (MP), Norbert Mao, has outlined his vision for transforming Uganda's parliamentary system if elected Speaker.

Addressing a weekly press conference at DP Headquarters at Balintuma Road in Rubaga division in Kampala on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Mao promised a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent house, vowing to increase parliamentary sitting days from 90 to 120 days annually.

“I shall set the calendar agenda for the House, ensuring every MP has a voice, unlike the current state where some are marginalised,” Mao declared.

The Laroo-pece Member of Parliament and the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao addressing a press conference at DP Headquarters at Balintuma Road on Tuesday May 19, 2026. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

He pledged to prioritise opposition-suggested agendas, moving away from the current “ping-pong politics” approach where the opposition legislators have only been reacting to government positions instead of fronting their oversights for government consideration.

Mao also promised to introduce electronic voting, replacing the traditional “I's and Nay's” method, to enhance transparency and accountability.

“We will ensure every vote counts, and the outcome reflects the will of the people. Voting on any bill shall be secret, with just pressing a button on your seat for record keeping and not just raising hands as it has been under Annet Anita Among, the outgoing speaker for the 11^th parliament,” he emphasised.

Addressing concerns about MP capacity, Mao vowed to revise the parliamentary budget to provide qualified researchers and personal assistants for each MP.

“No more relatives or unqualified staff; we need professionals to support our work,” he stressed.

To promote public engagement, Mao pledged to open the parliamentary gallery to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We want Ugandans to witness democracy in action and hold us accountable,” he said.

Asked about the force behind his confidence, Mao said, “What is behind my insistence is that we have lived to the DP-NRM cooperation guidelines to cause unity amongst our people, but NRM has not lived to our expectations. President Museveni knew the nucleus of the broader unity of Ugandans, and that’s why he invited me to Kyankwanzi for NRM retreat,” Mao noted.

Mao scoffs at PLU endorsement of Oboth-Oboth

Following Mukono endorsement of the West Budama Central Member of Parliament (MP), Jacob Oboth-Oboth, by the leaning National Resistance Movement (NRM) pressure group, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), as the Speaker, Mao’s hopes of becoming the Speaker hinge on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s intervention at the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) level.

Mao, who is also the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, pinned his hopes of becoming the Speaker of Uganda's 12th Parliament on President Museveni's endorsement.

“President Museveni, as the NRM party chairman, will guide us and do the headhunt like what he did when I was invited to the NRM Kyankwanzi retreat. As a pressure group, PLU members are autonomous to declare whom they support, but Among’s stepping down has set a new process for all of us to contest equally,” he said.

He quipped that the PLU members who had endorsed Speaker Anita Among are the ones who withdrew their support to endorse another candidate in Mukono, who had not even declared his interest.

At the event, David Kabanda, the PLU secretary general, confirmed that Oboth Oboth would become the next Speaker of Parliament following his endorsement by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and President Museveni.

NobThe Laroo-pece Member of Parliament and the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao addressing a press conference at DP Headquarters at Balintuma Road on Tuesday May 19, 2026. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“I agree that PLU will determine the next generational leaders of Uganda, but we do not want a speaker who is a ‘project.’ Power must be driven by purpose because power without purpose will lead to a disaster, but what I believe is that we should have clear processes to that.

If you have made the wrong decision, first admit that you are wrong. I saw the endorsers flocking to the thanksgiving party at Mukono, and I was shocked because someone who was fronted had never declared interest, and it appears he is a ‘project speaker.’ I will defeat Oboth,” he said.

The speakership race has been intense, with incumbent Anita Among withdrawing her candidacy following pressure from senior ruling party figures and corruption allegations.

Siranda speaks out on Among endorsement

Appearing after Mao’s presser in crutches, the Democratic Party Secretary General, Gerald Siranda, said that Mao had the individual right to contest as the elected MP for Laroo-pece division, but they also had a democratic choice to support any candidate of their choice.

“It is true I wanted Among as our speaker in the house, and that’s why I endorsed her. Now that she is out of the race, I do not support any because I am not even one of the voters to decide his fate because I won’t be among the voters,” Siranda said.

DP electoral commission chairperson, Kennedy Mutenyo, said that Mao has 90% chance to become the next speaker, insisting that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs will cast a protest vote due to frustration.

“Those who had endorsed Among are now disappointed. Those who expected her to give them money now that she is kicked out will rally behind Mao for truth and justice to prevail in a protest nature,” Mutenyo added.