Justice & Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao recently made headlines when he declared his intention to contest for the position of Speaker of Parliament.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Mao said that not running for the position would be a betrayal of his late friend and former Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah.
Mao emphasized that he shared a close personal and professional bond with Oulanyah, and feels a moral obligation to continue the legacy and values that his late colleague championed.
According to him, standing for speakership is not just political ambition but also a duty to uphold principles that Oulanyah held dear.
He expressed concern over the current state of affairs in Parliament, noting that the institution is not operating in line with the vision Oulanyah had.
Mao suggested that the legislative body has drifted from the standards and ideals that the former Speaker represented, creating a Parliament that is far removed from its intended purpose.
Mao carefully refrained from directly criticizing the current Speaker or Deputy Speaker, but he did signal that there are issues in Parliament that would have been unacceptable to Oulanyah.
He indicated that much of the present conduct in the legislature has eroded the integrity and quality of parliamentary business.
One area Mao highlighted is the perceived disconnect between Parliament and the ordinary Ugandan citizens. He said that while the institution is claimed to be people-centered, in practice it has become paranoid and fearful of public engagement. He added that ordinary citizens are often discouraged from freely congregating in and around parliamentary premises.
Corruption allegations circulating on social media were another area Mao suggested Oulanyah would have strongly opposed. He argued that ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability undermine the credibility of Parliament and erode public trust in legislators.
Security in Parliament was another concern Mao raised. He criticized the overwhelming presence of uniformed security operatives, saying it makes the premises resemble a military garrison rather than a democratic space for debate and lawmaking. He vowed to address this issue to create a more open and approachable institution.
Mao also touched on the composition and influence of MPs, noting that many members lack the stature, experience, or respect held by leaders in the Lukiiko assemblies of Buganda and Toro kingdoms. He implied that Parliament has become a house dominated by numbers rather than effective leadership.
He gave an example of what he sees as declining standards in parliamentary etiquette. He recalled an incident where a term in Luganda, “Oweekitibwa” (meaning honorable), was casually used to imply “thief,” highlighting the erosion of respect and decorum in the legislature.
Mao stressed that these issues would be among his priorities if elected Speaker. He said he intends to restore the values Oulanyah upheld, including integrity, accountability, and respect for citizens and fellow lawmakers alike.
During the press briefing, Mao also reflected on the personal dimension of leadership. He said that his candidacy is driven by loyalty to Oulanyah and by a desire to ensure that the late Speaker’s vision for an effective, ethical Parliament is realized.
He observed that the public perception of Parliament has suffered in recent years, with many Ugandans expressing dissatisfaction over inefficiency, favoritism, and corruption. Mao believes that reforms under his leadership could help rebuild public confidence in the institution.
Mao cautioned that contesting for speakership is not about personal gain or political positioning. He framed it as a moral responsibility to defend the values and legacy of a colleague who had passed on, while addressing structural and cultural issues in Parliament.
He also noted the symbolic importance of the Speaker’s role, arguing that strong, principled leadership can influence the behavior and effectiveness of the entire legislative body. He said that restoring high standards and proper parliamentary conduct is crucial for democratic governance.
Mao mentioned that he intends to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and hierarchy that distance MPs from constituents. He stressed that a more accountable and citizen-focused Parliament would better serve the public and reinforce democratic principles.
He further suggested that legislative reforms should focus on efficiency, transparency, and professionalism, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings reflect competence and integrity at every level.
In addition, Mao pledged to address internal inconsistencies within Parliament, including the imbalance in representation and the lack of influence of certain MPs compared to others. He highlighted the need to respect and integrate traditional governance structures, such as Buganda and Toro’s Lukiiko, in the legislative process.
Mao’s announcement also hinted at broader political implications, as his candidacy could reshape alliances within Parliament and influence the selection of key leadership positions in the legislature. Observers suggest that his close association with Oulanyah may give him both moral and political leverage.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing that his decision to contest for speakership is rooted in loyalty, duty, and a vision for a Parliament that aligns with democratic and ethical ideals. He urged fellow lawmakers to prioritize the institution’s integrity over personal interests.
Finally, Mao encouraged citizens and media to hold him accountable if elected. He promised to work diligently to restore standards, fight corruption, and foster an environment where Parliament operates as a truly people-centered institution, reflecting the values his late friend Jacob Oulanyah championed.
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