By Okidi Patrick
Mao Gains Momentum in Speakership Race as Some NRM MPs Rally Quietly Behind Him ahead of Election.
KAMPALA, UGANDA — March 30, 2026: The race for the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament is gaining momentum, with Norbert Mao emerging as a strong contender amid reports that some Members of Parliament-elect from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) are quietly backing his bid.
What initially began as political speculation following Mao’s January 15 parliamentary victory in Pece-Laroo Division has steadily evolved into a serious contest that could shape the balance of power within Parliament.
Political insiders suggest that Mao’s cross-party relationships and connections with influential figures could boost his chances, with some projecting that he could secure significant support ahead of the Speakership vote expected in May 2026.
Analysts say the Speakership race has moved beyond routine procedure and is now a critical test of how authority will be negotiated and consolidated within Uganda’s multiparty framework, particularly under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).
An MP-elect from the Acholi sub-region, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Tayari News Uganda that Mao’s chances are strengthening due to his ability to appeal across political divides.
“Mao is increasingly seen as a bridge between constitutional ideals and political realities. That makes him a viable candidate for Speaker,” the legislator said.
The contest also places Mao in potential competition with the incumbent Speaker, Anita Among, whose growing institutional influence within Parliament remains significant.
Observers note that in Uganda’s dominant-party system, the Speakership has evolved into a powerful office where internal party negotiations often intersect with executive interests. Control over parliamentary agenda-setting, committee appointments, and disciplinary processes gives the Speaker far-reaching influence beyond ceremonial duties.
As a result, Speakership elections are increasingly viewed as moments of internal political recalibration rather than neutral institutional exercises.
Mao, a former Gulu District LCV chairperson and long-serving president of the Democratic Party, brings extensive experience in governance, constitutional advocacy, and decentralisation. His legal background and reputation for assertiveness have further strengthened perceptions of his suitability for the role.
Over the years, Mao has built political capital by winning competitive races against seasoned figures, including Betty Bigombe and the late Walter Ochora, reinforcing his image as a resilient and strategic politician.
However, the outcome remains uncertain, as internal dynamics within the NRM and broader political alignments continue to evolve.
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