Panic as Norbert Mao’s Strategic Masterclass approach for speakership Shakes Kyankwanzi.
By Okidi Patrick
KYANKWANZI, UGANDA —April 9, 2026: The political barometer at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) has hit boiling point after President Yoweri Museveni reopened the debate on the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, setting the stage for what many insiders are calling the “Mao Factor.”
NRM legislators’ retreat on Tuesday has transformed into a high-stakes arena as high-profile figures are happy again to contest freely for the seat in May, 2026. The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, whose “slippery” political tactics and strategic presence at the retreat have sent shockwaves and panic througout many sessions to some of his fellow aspirants.
The ‘Mao Factor’ and IPOD definition makes mao very condfident of winning the speakership battle come May, 2026. The Democratic Party (DP) president who also serves in the NRM government under a cooperation agreement, is widely viewed as a candidate who could bridge the gap between traditional party lines. His interest in the Speaker’s chamber signals a potential seismic shift in government alliances, with analysts suggesting his candidacy represents a “qualitative and humble leap” toward a more inclusive legislative leadership.
The race has also attracted the “fearless” State Minister for Lands, Persis Namuganza, known for her combative style and grassroots mobilization. Other emerging power players include Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto and Aringa South MP Alioni Yorke Odria, both of whom are positioning themselves as fresh faces for the party’s evolving structure.
The sudden heat in Kyankwanzi follows President Museveni’s cautious remarks on Wednesday, where he hinted that the NRM Central Executive Committee’s (CEC) earlier endorsement of incumbent Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa was not yet “finally settled.”
“We shall discuss that at the right time…because it had become a tradition,” the President said, effectively throwing the doors open for aspirants like Mao to lobby the NRM caucus directly.
The contest has already seen some upcoming sharp exchange between Hon Minister Norbert Mao and Rt.Hon. Speaker Anita Among. After Among used a “bedroom” metaphor to warn outsiders against eyeing the Speakership, Mao fired back, describing the remarks as “bad manners” and “bad politics.”
Despite the friction, Mao’s supporters view his participation at NALI as a sign of political maturity and a commitment to national service. As the retreat continues until April 15, the final outcome will likely reflect not just parliamentary preference but a calculated move by the NRM to embrace “Musevenomics” and cross-party cooperation for the next five years.
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