A new twist has emerged in the race for the Speaker of Parliament after First Son and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Muhoozi Kainerugaba, reportedly moved to influence the contest by appealing to Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister and Laroo-Pece MP-elect Norbert Mao to step aside.
The development adds a fresh layer to an already tense political showdown, where Mao has been engaged in a simmering war of words with incumbent Speaker Anita Among. The exchanges have highlighted growing friction as Mao positions himself as a reform-minded contender seeking to reshape parliamentary leadership.
The speakership race has dominated coverage from the retreat of NRM MPs and allied independents at Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute (Nali). The gathering focuses on unity and strategic alignment, with efforts aimed at avoiding internal divisions that could weaken the ruling establishment’s grip on Parliament – through understanding the NRM ideology and priorities.
Anita Among’s political rise has itself been notable. Originally a member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), she later crossed to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), where she steadily climbed the ranks to secure one of the most powerful positions in the country as Speaker and third in command of the ruling NRM party. Her trajectory has often been cited as an example of political realignment and strategic positioning within Uganda’s shifting party landscape.
Muhoozi’s latest intervention is being interpreted as part of a broader effort to consolidate support around Among, whose incumbency and backing within NRM structures give her a strong advantage. His appeal also signals the weight of influence he continues to wield in shaping political conversations beyond the military sphere.
This is not the first time Among has received backing from circles associated with Muhoozi. His civic-political outfit, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), previously endorsed her for re-election as Speaker, further cementing the perception of a political alignment between the two camps.
Among has also, in the past, expressed support for Muhoozi’s perceived presidential ambitions. In one notable remark, she declared her belief in “Museveni the father, Museveni the mother and Museveni the son,” a statement widely interpreted as signaling openness to a future political transition involving Muhoozi, the son of President Yoweri Museveni.
The relationship between Muhoozi and Mao has previously drawn public attention. At one point, Muhoozi openly praised Mao as the only opposition leader with the potential to become president—remarks that sparked debate across the political divide. Shortly after, Mao entered into a cooperation agreement with Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM), a move that culminated in his appointment as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs. (See Details Here and There).
It is against this backdrop of political cooperation that Muhoozi has now made a direct appeal to Mao, urging him to reconsider his bid in favor of a broader strategic opportunity. “I respectfully request my big brother Ladit Norbert Mao to not run for Speaker of Parliament. Please listen to your younger brother. We can get better positions,” Muhoozi wrote on X.
Mao has yet to publicly respond to the request, leaving observers watching closely to see whether he will heed the call or press ahead with his candidacy. With tensions already evident and alliances shifting, the speakership race is shaping up to be a defining moment in Uganda’s current political landscape.
Meanwhile, there has been a proposal for Museveni to appoint either Norbert Mao or his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba as vice president. (See Details Here and There).
As of now, Norbert Mao and Anita Among are engaged in a fierce war of words over the ‘NRM bedroom’ with Mao asking Among who she is and the incumbent speaker telling the justice minister not to cross the NRM compound. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
