Justice Minister Hon Norbert Mao Eyes Speakership to Restore House Dignity in the 12th parliament
By Okidi Patrick
Hon. Norbert Mao rallies Lawmakers to Choose a ‘Sober’ Statesman Capable of healing Uganda’s political divide.
Uganda wide several MPs Rally Behind Hon. Norbert Mao’s for speakership race.
KAMPALA,UGANDA– May 2nd, 2026: As the race for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament gains momentum, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Hon. Norbert Mao has emerged as a frontrunner, with supporters highlighting his “procedural mastery” and “integrity” as the essential tools needed to rescue the image of the legislative arm in tge 12th parliament of Uganda..
Mao, a seasoned lawyer and veteran legislator, is being marketed by a cross-section of MPs as a “sober statesman” capable of shifting the House from petty personality cults to a robust, system-driven institution.
Supporters point to Mao’s decorated political career—stretching from his days as Makerere University Guild President to his recent tenure as Gulu Municipality MP and Gulu LC5 Chairman during the LRA insurgency—as evidence of his tested leadership.
“Mao possesses unmatched experience. He led Gulu through the darkest days of hardship showing resilience and a heart for peace,” noted an NRM lawmaker from the Northern region.
In a Parliament often bogged down by complex legal hurdles, Mao’s background as a lawyer is seen as a major asset. His proponents argue that his deep understanding of constitutional law and parliamentary rules of procedure makes him uniquely qualified to preside over the August House with technical precision.
Mao is the ‘Bridge-Builder’
Following the DP-NRM cooperation agreement, Mao has positioned himself as a unifying figure. His campaign is anchored on the “bridge-builder” concept, suggesting that he is the only candidate who can effectively mediate between the ruling NRM and the Opposition to ensure national reconciliation.
“He is widely viewed as a leader who can bridge the gap. His record in lobbying for the Amnesty Law and spearheading peace efforts in Northern Uganda proves he prioritizes the nation over partisan friction,” his campaign team stated.
A central pillar of Mao’s bid is a vow to restore the “entire dignity” of Parliament. Frequently described by peers as “honest and not corrupt,” Mao has historically been noted for rejecting lucrative offers to stay true to his principles.
His vision for the 12th Parliament involves a move away from “transactional politics” toward a house that respects the taxpayer and follows strict institutional systems.
Cross-Regional Support
