Uganda’s Parliament Leadership Race Heats Up as Norbert Mao Takes Anti-Corruption Stand
Kampala, Uganda — The race for Uganda’s parliamentary leadership has taken a dramatic turn as veteran politician Norbert Mao publicly endorsed the withdrawal of support for Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, citing corruption concerns.
Mao, who was sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City on Thursday, used his return to Parliament after two decades to launch a sharp critique of the current leadership. He warned that public trust in the legislature has significantly declined under their watch.
“A Principled Stand Against Corruption”
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political pressure group linked to President Yoweri Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, had initially backed Among and Tayebwa for re-election. However, the group abruptly reversed its position this week, instructing its members to instead support candidates aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership.
Mao praised the move, calling it a necessary stance against graft. “You cannot say you are fighting malaria and then you are a friend to mosquitoes,” he told journalists, in a thinly veiled jab at the incumbent leadership.
Muhoozi’s Influence and Social Media Jabs
The controversy deepened after General Muhoozi took to social media questioning how Ugandan politicians afford luxury vehicles—a remark widely interpreted as a dig at Speaker Among. While he did not name her directly, his posts condemning corruption and unexplained wealth fueled speculation about shifting political alliances.
Mao, Among, and Tayebwa have all reportedly sought Muhoozi’s backing in their bids for parliamentary leadership. However, sources suggest Mao’s candidacy may now have the tacit approval of the First Family, including influential figures like General Salim Saleh.
A Push for Reform and Accountability
At his swearing-in, Mao positioned himself as a reformist, pledging to restore integrity to Parliament. “We are the watchdogs, and we will encourage the people also to watch us because the watchdog cannot stay without being watched,” he declared.
He also criticized the growing perception that lawmakers operate above the law. “Citizens now think that Parliament does whatever it wants. Nobody can even say anything, but we are all under the same law,” he said.
Using a vivid analogy, Mao argued for equality before the law: “If you have a brand-new 10,000 shilling note and another that’s torn and dirty, both have the same value. We should treat all Ugandans equally.”
A New Vision for Parliament
If elected Speaker, Mao vowed to establish a “caucus of the whole House”—a non-partisan forum where MPs from all sides could collaboratively tackle national issues. “There are some problems which have no party lines,” he said. “If a solution serves Uganda best, that’s what we should pay attention to.”
The battle for leadership in Uganda’s 12th Parliament is shaping up to be more than just a contest of personalities. With accusations of corruption, shifting alliances, and growing public discontent, the outcome could signal a major shift in the country’s political landscape.
— Reported by Nexio News
