KAMPALA – Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has revealed he is “increasingly being encouraged” to contest for the position of Speaker of Parliament, though he has not yet formally declared his intentions.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Mao moved to clarify recent media reports, stating that suggestions he had already entered the race were inaccurate.
“I can assure you that I am not the source of those reports,” Mao said. “I have never been afraid to publicly announce any position I am interested in.”
The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament-elect for Laroo-Pécé Division in Gulu City, acknowledged a visible groundswell of support for his potential candidacy.
“There is a lot of goodwill whenever my name is associated with that position,” he observed. “I feel it when I move on the streets.”
Mao expressed confidence in his suitability for the role, stating he believes he possesses the “qualifications, experience and capacity to preside over Parliament.” However, he emphasised that a final decision would only follow broad consultations.
Key to this process, he revealed, will be discussions with the leadership of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), including President Yoweri Museveni, to “openly discuss the issue of the next Speaker.”
His comments come just days after the NRM’s Central Executive Committee, following a meeting at State House in Entebbe, endorsed current Deputy Speaker Anita Annet Among for the position of Speaker and Government Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker.
Mao’s potential entry into the race introduces a new dynamic into the succession process for one of the country’s most influential offices, setting the stage for a closely watched political engagement in the coming weeks.
