Kampala, Uganda | The race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has intensified after Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao formally declared his bid, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest within and outside the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Mao, who is also the MP-elect for Laroo-Pece Division, announced his candidature on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Democratic Party headquarters in Kampala.
He clarified that his declaration was not a campaign, arguing that the Rules of Procedure of Parliament prohibit aspirants from canvassing support for the position.
He noted that several MPs-elect had approached him seeking to publicly endorse his bid, but he declined, maintaining that such actions would undermine the dignity of the Speaker’s office.
Mao likened the role of Speaker to that of an Archbishop, saying it demands restraint, impartiality and decorum.
On the same day, Aringa South MP Alioni Yorke Odria dismissed reports that the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) had cleared incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa to run unopposed.
Addressing journalists at Kampala Serena Hotel, Odria described the claims as baseless rumours and called on NRM national chairperson President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to clarify the party’s official position.
He argued that any decision taken without wider consultation among party members would lack legitimacy.
Odria further stated that the Constitution would be his guiding tool in executing his legislative duties, warning that the law should not be manipulated by a few individuals within the party.
The speakership contest now features five declared candidates:
▪︎ Anita Annet Among, the incumbent and Bukedea District Woman MP-elect, reportedly endorsed by the NRM CEC to retain the seat.
▪︎ Norbert Mao, advocating adherence to parliamentary rules and institutional integrity.
▪︎ Persis Namuganza, Bukono County MP-elect running as an independent on a reform agenda.
▪︎ Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, Mbale City Woman MP-elect and NRM CEC member, who has challenged what she terms undemocratic internal endorsements.
▪︎ Alioni Yorke Odria, campaigning on anti-corruption and media freedom.
The unfolding contest underscores internal tensions within the NRM, despite its numerical dominance in Parliament following the January 2026 general elections. Several aspirants have centred their bids on restoring Parliament’s image, strengthening oversight and tackling corruption.
Regional representation has also featured prominently in the debate, with some candidates calling for broader inclusivity in top parliamentary leadership.
The 12th Parliament is scheduled to commence in May 2026, with MPs expected to be sworn in from May 13.
The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be presided over by the Chief Justice, marking the first major test of unity within the incoming House.