Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has formally declared his candidacy for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, announcing that his decision follows extensive consultations with various stakeholders.
The DP president-general, who recently won the Laroo-Pece Division parliamentary seat in Gulu City, had previously stated he would consult widely, including meeting President Yoweri Museveni and other NRM leaders.
Mao's DP entered into a cooperation agreement with the ruling NRM in 2022. That pact paved the way for his ministerial appointment, although it was contested within DP ranks.
Mao says he does not want to be a spectator in the affairs of the country. He is also leaning on his role in building political support for President Museveni in northern Uganda.
Despite the NRM's numerical dominance in Parliament, leadership elections are conducted by secret ballot—a factor that introduces some unpredictability.
Mao expressed confidence in his qualifications, citing his experience, education, and leadership skills as advantages.
Whether the NRM views Mao's ambition as compatible with their cooperation agreement remains the defining question.
