Lira, Uganda | Support has emerged from Lira City in favour of Justice Minister Norbert Mao for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, with sharp criticism directed at recent remarks by Speaker Anita Annet Among as political tensions intensify ahead of the race.
Addressing a press briefing, Lira City Female Workers Representative, Sarah Awor Angweri, dismissed Among’s controversial “bedroom” analogy made during the ongoing retreat at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, where she suggested limits to cooperation between the ruling National Resistance Movement and opposition actors.
Awor argued that parliamentary leadership should not be treated as a preserve of a single political group, insisting that Mao, who leads the Democratic Party Uganda, remains a credible and deserving contender for Speaker. She described Mao as principled, corruption-free, and guided by ideology, adding that he should not be pressured to step down from the race.
She also rejected claims that the Speakership should be rotational or limited to two terms, noting that Among assumed office in 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah. According to Awor, the circumstances under which Among rose to power demonstrate that leadership transitions can occur outside established expectations.
Awor further questioned Among’s neutrality, citing her position as Second National Vice Chairperson of the NRM. She argued that such a role risks compromising impartiality in presiding over parliamentary proceedings, claiming that key decisions could be influenced by party structures.
Framing their political approach as “Team Chairman,” Awor said their support for Mao reflects a broader desire for inclusive leadership, particularly for northern Uganda, which she said has long faced marginalization despite backing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 elections.
Other voices echoed her stance. Caroline Akullo said women in the region continue to face systemic challenges without adequate representation, expressing confidence that Mao has the capacity to unify diverse voices and advocate for their interests. Aluma Elly also reaffirmed support for Mao, citing frustrations among youth who, he said, are often promised support that never materializes.
The remarks follow a public spat between Among and Mao at Kyankwanzi, where the Speaker used a “bedroom” metaphor to caution opposition figures working with the NRM against overstepping political boundaries. Mao dismissed the remarks as inappropriate, arguing that leadership positions such as the Speakership should be determined through open parliamentary processes rather than restricted by party dominance.
The exchange has added a new dimension to the Speakership contest, unfolding alongside a high-level NRM retreat that has brought together newly elected MPs and party leaders to align on ideological and legislative priorities for the 2026–2031 term.
Although the NRM’s Central Executive Committee previously endorsed Among, President Museveni’s indication that the parliamentary caucus will ultimately decide has opened space for alternative candidates, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched race for the Speaker of the 12th Parliament.