Speaker of Parliament race: Mao shrugs off PLU, Among fallout

KAMPALA - Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party (DP) president general and aspirant in the Parliament Speakership race due May 25,  has responded to a recent development in which civic group Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by First Son and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, rescinded its earlier reelection endorsement of incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa.

The move, which many have categorised as a public fallout, could play into the hands of Laroo-Pece Member of Parliament (MP) Mao, also justice minister. 

The development has also since been categorised as a public fallout amid allegations of extravagancy and corruption being levelled at the August House’s leadership.

However, while addressing journalists on May 14, 2026, Mao downplayed the euphoria surrounding the development as exaggerated.

Arguing that while there will be other decisions to be taken as Speakership elections draw closer, PLU, in its communications, simply reiterated that it would abide by whatever decision the chairperson of the NRM party, President Yoweri Museveni, shall take.

“They have said that before. But you know in Uganda, people only hear what they want to hear. PLU has been very consistent. They are saying that they will follow what the President will direct. They have been repeating that. Of course, based on the decision, they had assumed that this matter was a fait accompli, but it isn’t. The people to elect the Speaker are the members of Parliament. The President can guide but ultimately the Parliamentarians should not act as if they lack urgency,” Mao contended.

“They should not blame anybody. They should step forward and decide who is best in leading Parliament in fighting corruption. So, PLU has spoken enough about their decision, and I see a lot of fights on social media. But ultimately, the true arena for that decision is the Parliament. I am happy that the PLU has taken a stand against corruption, and fighting corruption means you fight the corrupt. You cannot say you are fighting malaria and then you are a friend to mosquitoes. Because it is the mosquitoes which carry malaria,” he added.

Norbert Mao took oath as Laroo-Pece MP at about 4:00pm. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Void of antics

Norbert Mao took oath as Laroo-Pece MP at about 4:00pm. In contrast with his rival, Speaker Anita Annet Among, his presence around was devoid of the large crowds and ululations.

Holding hands with his wife, Beatrice, Mao was dressed in a white shirt, a yellow tie and a matching black suit. He briefly paused for a photoshoot before taking a lap of honour along the red carpet as he exited.

Along the way, he occasionally stopped to exchange pleasantries with East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) aspirants who had pitched camp at Parliament since the swearing-in exercise began on Wednesday.

This was before he was ambushed by droves of journalists who were eagerly waiting to hear what he had to say on the Speakership race.