Former spy chief and retired army general David Sejusa has stirred fresh debate over the race for Speaker of Parliament after declaring that Democratic Party president Norbert Mao still has a realistic chance of winning the powerful position.
In a strongly worded message shared on X, Gen. Sejusa urged Ugandans not to dismiss Mao too early despite recent political developments that appear to favor other candidates in the race. “NOBERT MAO CAN STILL BECOME SPEAKER,” Sejusa stated, adding that many people were rushing to conclusions before the political process had fully unfolded.
The comments come at a time when the contest for Speaker of the 12th Parliament has become one of the most closely watched political battles in Uganda. The race intensified following reports that former Speaker Anita Among had withdrawn from the contest amid pressure from senior ruling party figures.
At the same time, reports that President Yoweri Museveni had endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth for the Speakership significantly changed the political calculations surrounding the race. Many observers immediately viewed Oboth Oboth as the leading candidate because of the President’s influence within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
However, Gen. Sejusa believes the political situation remains fluid and unpredictable. According to him, Norbert Mao still has several possible pathways that could strengthen his chances of emerging victorious despite the growing pressure surrounding the race.
Sejusa outlined one scenario where Mao could step down as president of the Democratic Party while negotiating a new cooperation agreement between the DP and the ruling NRM government. Such a move, according to Sejusa, could potentially reshape political alliances and increase Mao’s acceptability among ruling party lawmakers.
The retired general also compared Mao’s political position to that of former Kampala minister Beti Kamya, who previously led the Uganda Federal Alliance before eventually working closely with the NRM government. Sejusa appeared to suggest that Mao could follow a similar political path.
According to Sejusa, another possible strategy could involve Mao handing over leadership of the Democratic Party to other senior party figures such as Fred Mukasa Mbidde or Richard Sebamala while repositioning himself politically as an independent figure leaning toward the NRM.
“DONT WRITE MAO OFF YET,” Sejusa emphasized again, signaling his belief that Uganda’s political landscape can shift very quickly depending on negotiations, alliances, and power-sharing arrangements behind closed doors.
Norbert Mao currently serves as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs under the cooperation agreement signed between the Democratic Party and the NRM government. His decision to work with the ruling establishment has for years generated both criticism and praise within political circles.
Supporters of Mao argue that his participation in government has allowed him to influence national policy and remain politically relevant in an environment where opposition parties often struggle to secure influence within state institutions.
Critics, however, accuse Mao of weakening the Democratic Party by aligning too closely with the ruling government. Some opposition supporters believe his cooperation with the NRM damaged his credibility among Ugandans seeking stronger opposition politics.
Despite these criticisms, Mao remains one of Uganda’s most experienced political leaders. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a skilled lawyer, public speaker, and negotiator capable of navigating difficult political environments.
Political analysts say Sejusa’s remarks reflect the uncertainty surrounding Uganda’s parliamentary leadership race. Although endorsements from powerful figures can heavily influence outcomes, analysts note that political negotiations among MPs often continue until the final voting stage.
The Speakership contest has also drawn attention because it may shape the balance of power within Parliament over the next five years. Whoever becomes Speaker will play a major role in controlling parliamentary debates, legislative priorities, and political direction within the House.
Meanwhile, other politicians have also shown interest in senior parliamentary positions. Bukoto East MP Sarah Babirye Kityo recently declared interest in the deputy speakership, adding another layer of competition to the evolving parliamentary leadership race.
Social media discussions surrounding Sejusa’s comments have remained highly active, with some Ugandans agreeing that Mao should not be underestimated while others insist that the political numbers currently favor candidates backed by the ruling establishment.
Some observers also believe that Mao’s long relationship with both opposition and ruling party figures may ultimately work to his advantage. His ability to maintain connections across political divides could potentially help him secure unexpected support from lawmakers seeking compromise leadership.
As political negotiations continue behind the scenes, uncertainty remains over how the final vote will unfold. Uganda’s parliamentary politics has often produced dramatic surprises, especially when internal alliances shift at the last moment.
For now, Gen. Sejusa’s message has ensured that Norbert Mao remains firmly in the national conversation surrounding the Speakership race. Whether Mao can turn political speculation into actual victory remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the battle for Speaker of the 12th Parliament is far from over.
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