Political analyst and journalist Andrew Mwenda has sparked fresh debate after claiming that Norbert Mao never originally planned to contest for the Laroo-Pece parliamentary seat in Gulu City.
According to Mwenda, Mao only decided to enter the race after receiving a direct phone call from President Yoweri Museveni.
Mwenda made the remarks while speaking during a recent episode of the Bad Natives Podcast, a widely followed political discussion platform.
The podcast regularly features Mwenda alongside seasoned commentators who analyze current affairs and power dynamics in Uganda.
During the discussion, Mwenda suggested that Mao’s entry into the parliamentary race was not part of his original political plan ahead of the 2026 elections.
Instead, he said Mao had been considering other political options before the unexpected intervention from the president.
According to Mwenda, the phone call from Museveni played a crucial role in convincing Mao to contest for the Laroo-Pece seat.
He claimed that the president personally encouraged the Democratic Party leader to return to elective politics through Parliament.
Mwenda explained that Mao initially appeared reluctant to join the race, but the request from the president carried significant weight. In Uganda’s political environment, a call from the head of state often signals broader political calculations.
The analyst suggested that Museveni’s decision to encourage Mao to run for Parliament was not accidental. Rather, he argued that the move could be part of a wider political strategy being carefully shaped ahead of the next political cycle.
Mwenda further hinted that Mao’s return to Parliament could place him in a stronger position within national politics. As an experienced politician and long-time leader of the Democratic Party, Mao remains a significant figure in Uganda’s political landscape.
For years, Mao has been known as a vocal political actor who has participated in both opposition politics and national policy discussions. His decision to contest for the Laroo-Pece seat therefore attracted considerable attention among political observers.
Mwenda argued that Mao’s presence in Parliament could have implications beyond representing his constituency. According to him, it could also open doors to bigger roles within the country’s political system.
The claim that Museveni personally called Mao has already generated debate among political analysts. Some observers believe it reflects the complex relationship between Mao and the ruling establishment in recent years.
Others have interpreted the claim as evidence of ongoing political negotiations behind the scenes. Ugandan politics is often shaped by private consultations that later influence public decisions.
Mwenda also pointed out that Mao’s entry into Parliament could influence internal power dynamics across different political camps. Even though he leads the Democratic Party, Mao has recently worked closely with the government on certain issues.
This cooperation has sometimes drawn criticism from opposition supporters who believe that political alliances should remain clearly defined. However, Mao has repeatedly defended his political choices as part of a broader national interest.
According to Mwenda, the Laroo-Pece contest will therefore be more than just a local parliamentary race. It could become a symbol of changing alliances and strategic calculations within Uganda’s political landscape.
The analyst emphasized that political decisions at the highest level are rarely made without careful consideration. If Museveni indeed encouraged Mao to run, Mwenda suggested that the decision could be connected to longer-term political planning.
Mwenda further argued that Mao’s political experience makes him a valuable figure in any national discussion about governance and leadership. Over the years, Mao has built a reputation as a skilled debater and articulate political thinker.
At the same time, Mwenda acknowledged that such claims are likely to remain controversial. Without direct confirmation from the individuals involved, many observers will continue to question the details of the alleged phone call.
Nevertheless, the discussion has once again highlighted the unpredictable nature of Ugandan politics. Decisions that appear personal or sudden often reflect deeper strategic considerations within the country’s political system.
As the 2026 elections approach, political observers will be closely watching how Mao’s parliamentary bid unfolds. His campaign in Laroo-Pece could become one of the most closely followed races in northern Uganda.
For now, Mwenda’s revelation has added another layer of intrigue to the story. Whether or not the phone call actually influenced Mao’s decision, the claim has already intensified political conversations across the country.
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