Norbert Mao has said that in politics, friends can sometimes be more reliable than relatives, especially during moments of intense competition. His remarks come at a time when the race for the Speakership in the Parliament of Uganda is gaining momentum ahead of the new parliamentary term.
Mao explained that political alliances are often tested when important leadership positions are at stake. According to him, many leaders have discovered that the people they trust most during difficult political battles are not always those they share blood relations with, but rather those who believe in the same political vision.
Speaking about the internal dynamics within the ruling party, Mao noted that some of the biggest challenges faced by the National Resistance Movement have come from within its own ranks. He argued that internal competition and disagreements are common in large political movements.
He said that while the party has remained strong over the years, it is not unusual for disagreements to emerge when leaders begin positioning themselves for powerful roles such as the Speakership. These positions often attract strong interest because of the influence they carry within government.
Mao emphasized that politics is a game of interests and strategy. Leaders often build alliances based on shared goals and political calculations rather than personal relationships. As a result, loyalty in politics is sometimes defined by circumstances rather than family ties.
According to Mao, the current discussions surrounding the Speakership have once again revealed the complex nature of political competition. Different groups within the ruling party and beyond are carefully studying their options and evaluating who is best positioned to lead the House.
He explained that leadership contests are healthy in a democracy as long as they remain respectful and guided by the rules of the political system. However, such contests can also expose divisions that may not have been visible before.
Mao also noted that the strength of any political party lies in its ability to manage internal disagreements without allowing them to weaken the organization. In his view, mature political leadership requires dialogue and compromise.
As conversations about the Speakership continue, several politicians have quietly started building support among Members of Parliament. These behind-the-scenes discussions are expected to intensify as the new Parliament prepares to convene.
Mao pointed out that the position of Speaker is one of the most powerful offices in the legislative arm of government. The Speaker plays a key role in guiding parliamentary debates and ensuring that lawmakers follow the rules of procedure.
Because of this importance, he said, it is natural for political actors to pay close attention to who occupies the seat. The person elected must command respect from members across different political affiliations.
Mao also reminded leaders that unity within the ruling party remains important for maintaining stability in governance. He warned that excessive internal rivalry could create unnecessary tension if not handled carefully.
At the same time, he stressed that political competition should not be feared. According to him, competition allows leaders to demonstrate their abilities and convince others why they deserve to hold particular offices.
Observers say Mao’s comments reflect the broader political conversations currently taking place within Uganda’s political landscape. Many leaders are carefully positioning themselves as negotiations continue behind closed doors.
Some analysts believe that the coming weeks will reveal how different factions within the ruling party intend to approach the Speakership race. These internal dynamics could influence the final outcome.
Mao also encouraged politicians to focus on serving the public rather than allowing leadership contests to divide them. He said that political leaders must remember that their primary responsibility is to represent the interests of citizens.
He noted that Uganda’s democracy benefits when political actors engage each other openly while maintaining mutual respect. Constructive dialogue, he added, is key to strengthening democratic institutions.
Mao further emphasized that the strength of friendships built through shared political struggles should never be underestimated. Such relationships often provide support when political challenges arise.
He said that history has shown that some leaders who relied entirely on family connections in politics sometimes found themselves isolated when political tides changed.
In contrast, those who built strong networks of allies and supporters across different groups often managed to navigate difficult political moments more effectively.
As the race for the Speakership continues to attract attention across the country, Mao’s remarks have added another perspective to the ongoing debate about loyalty, alliances, and leadership within Uganda’s political system.
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