The President General of the Democratic Party and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has said the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah created what he described as an “accidental Speaker of Parliament,” as he formally entered the race for the top parliamentary seat.
Speaking at the DP headquarters in Kampala, Mao framed his bid as a mission to “reset” Parliament, arguing that Oulanyah’s untimely passing in 2022 disrupted what had been a deliberate leadership transition.
“When we lost Jacob Oulanyah, Parliament lost a leader who had been prepared for that role. What followed was accidental because death is not something you plan for,” Mao said. “Now the country has an opportunity to make a deliberate choice.”
Although he did not directly name her in that context, Mao’s remarks were widely seen as targeting the incumbent Speaker, Anita Among, who rose to the position after Oulanyah’s death. Among has recently been seen meeting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni amid speculation over endorsements ahead of the contest.
Mao said his decision to run was driven by consultations and encouragement from supporters across the political divide.
“These next five years are critical for Uganda. Parliament needs a steady, independent hand — someone who can work with all shades of opinion and restore public confidence in the House,” he said.
Reflecting on his friendship with Oulanyah, Mao struck a personal tone, suggesting he would regret staying out of the race.
“If I met Jacob on the other side and he asked me, ‘Mao, you saw what was happening and kept quiet?’ I would have no answer,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from supporters.
Oulanyah, Speaker of the 11th Parliament, died in March 2022 while undergoing treatment in the United States. The government attributed his death to illness, though comments by his father alleging possible poisoning sparked public debate at the time.
Mao’s entry into the race sets up a potentially competitive contest. The Aringa South MP, Alion Yorke Odria, has also declared his bid, dismissing claims that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee had endorsed certain candidates to run unopposed.
Addressing journalists in Kampala, Odria described reports of ring-fencing as mere rumour.
“There is talk that some candidates have already been endorsed before nominations. That is a big rumour,” he said. “The Constitution will not be manipulated by a few individuals.”
He called on President Museveni, who chairs the NRM, to clarify the party’s position, warning that any unilateral decision would be “null and void.”
Other aspirants for the Speaker’s seat include State Minister Persis Namuganza and former legislator Lydia Wanyoto, signalling what could become a high-stakes battle for control of the 12th Parliament.
