Democratic Party (DP) President General and Laroo-Pece Division MP Norbert Mao has dismissed any suggestions that he should step aside in the race for Speaker of Parliament, insisting he remains confident of victory in the upcoming election.
Mao, who is contesting for the Speakership position in the 12th Parliament, said Ugandans are focused on the wrong question if they are only debating how he would assume the role, rather than what kind of Parliament the country should have over the next five years.
“You people are going to be shocked. I am going to come back here on Tuesday as speaker of Parliament. Fortunately I won’t be wearing that horse hair. Those are going to be among the first changes,” Mao said, striking a confident tone as he made his case for the top parliamentary seat.
He also questioned why critics often focus on his chances of clinching the position instead of engaging with his broader vision for legislative leadership.
“Why do people ask how I will become Speaker?” he asked, suggesting that his campaign should instead be judged on its objectives and national direction.
Mao further emphasized that the Speakership race should not be reduced to short-term political speculation, arguing that the country must prioritize institutional leadership over individual competition.
“Our focus is not what will happen on May 25 [the date for speaker election], our focus is what sort of Parliament we will have for the next five years,” he said.
The DP leader maintained that he is best suited for the role, stating that Uganda is at a critical moment that demands deliberate and visionary leadership in Parliament.
He believes he is the most suitable candidate for the position of Speaker, framing his bid as one rooted in national interest rather than political convenience.
Mao’s remarks come as the contest for the Speakership continues to generate debate within political circles, including discussions around possible rival candidates such as Jacob Oboth Oboth.
It should be remembered that Muhoozi has previously asked Norbert Mao to withdraw out of the speaker race and get a big government job. (See Details Here and There).
Already, Anita Among was promised a ‘big job’ before she withdrew from the speaker race, as reported Here.
If Norbert Mao goes ahead and stands against Oboth Oboth but loses, there may not be hope for him to even have the deputy speaker job since a dramatic U-turn has returned Thomas Tayebwa to the position. (See Details Here and There).
You can see the names of over 500 MPs who will vote for speaker and deputy speaker next week HERE.
