Several people who claim that trusting Hon Norbert Mao for the speakership is a betrayal—do these people actually know that Hon Norbert Mao could be among the few people who wish Uganda becomes a middle-income country?
In 2000 to 2005, when LRA commander Joseph Kony had become stubborn, trying to destabilise this country, those who are now labeling Hon Norbert Mao as a traitor did not make any single contribution to initiate peace between the government and the LRA rebels.
While Mao was at the forefront, leading the government delegation to Garamba for peace talks, those who are now labelling Hon Mao as a traitor were nowhere to be seen.
If Mao had ill motives against this country and President Museveni, what was hard for him to betray this government during that time when Joseph Kony could even ring him to convey his message to President Museveni?
I would like to urge Ugandans: let us not castigate anyone who tries to contest for any position because no one was born a Speaker or a President.
I know people will say I am looking to be recognised, especially those whose only work is to castigate anyone who expresses his or her opinion, yet they cannot even write anything short on what should be done.
My advice to Hon Norbert Mao: in case God blesses you and you win the speakership, please try to balance the parliamentary appointments to represent all regions in the country.
I am saying this because I have known Hon Norbert Mao since he was LCV chairperson of Gulu District. I am able to understand his method of work while he was in Gulu, so what I am writing is based on how much I know him.
He made sure that Gulu District was rated the best district in the whole country in utilising government and donor resources, which made Gulu a powerful city.
Please ensure that there will be regional balance in parliamentary scholarships. We have people who have taken science courses but cannot afford tuition.
Look at the Uganda Cranes, we do not have good players, yet there are players in the upcountry who have missed selection simply because others use money to bribe their way into the Uganda Cranes. So please handle that in case you win.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
