By Nathan Eyagu 

Uganda’s political landscape has been thrown into fresh controversy after Norbert Mao openly sought the backing of the ruling National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Museveni in his bid for the powerful position of Speaker of Parliament ,a move already fueling fierce political debate over loyalty, opposition politics, and the future of Uganda’s political alliances.

Mao, once celebrated as one of Uganda’s leading opposition voices, formally wrote to President Museveni declaring his interest in becoming Speaker of the 12th Parliament and requesting support for his candidature.

The letter, dated May 19, 2026, asks that his name be considered by the NRM Central Executive Committee and forwarded to the ruling party’s Parliamentary Caucus for deliberation alongside other potential candidates.

“I write to inform you that I’m a candidate for the position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament,” Mao stated in the letter. “I request your support for my candidature.”

The development has immediately triggered intense reactions across Uganda’s political spectrum, with critics questioning how the leader of the Democratic Party — historically one of Uganda’s oldest opposition parties — now finds himself openly lobbying the ruling establishment for one of the country’s most influential constitutional offices.

Mao, however, has defended the move as part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering political cooperation and national dialogue rather than deepening political divisions.

In a detailed statement released on X following public scrutiny of the letter, Mao insisted that his request was “simple and straightforward” and rooted in what he described as constructive engagement within Uganda’s political system.

According to Mao, President Museveni had previously guided party leaders during discussions in Kyankwanzi that while the NRM Central Executive Committee recommends candidates, the ultimate decision on who becomes Speaker lies with Members of Parliament through the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, where the ruling party commands the majority.

“The decision of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus will determine who becomes Speaker,” Mao explained. “The vote by the whole Parliament will only seal the decision of the Caucus.”

Mao further linked his bid to the cooperation agreement signed between the Democratic Party and the NRM government in 2022, arguing that Uganda must move beyond rigid political traditions that have historically divided the country’s leadership.

He invoked what he called the “Spirit of 1986,” referring to the period following the National Resistance Army takeover when politicians from different ideological backgrounds worked together during Uganda’s reconstruction.

“A dynamic cooperation can evolve into an alliance, a coalition and eventually a merger,” Mao said.

The remarks are likely to intensify criticism from sections of the opposition who have repeatedly accused Mao of drawing closer to the ruling establishment at the expense of opposition unity.

Despite the backlash, Mao remains one of Uganda’s most experienced political figures. Currently serving as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, he previously served as President General of the Democratic Party, Chairman of Gulu District, Member of Parliament for Gulu Municipality, and Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2011 elections.

Over the years, Mao built his reputation as a vocal advocate for constitutional reform, democratic governance, and national reconciliation. However, his cooperation with the NRM government has increasingly reshaped public perceptions of his political identity.

The race for Speaker of Parliament is expected to become one of the most closely watched political contests ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament, with the position carrying enormous influence over legislative business, parliamentary administration, and national political direction.

As internal consultations continue within ruling party structures and parliamentary caucuses, Mao’s candidacy has now emerged not only as a battle for Parliament’s top seat, but also as a broader test of Uganda’s changing political alliances and the evolving relationship between opposition parties and the ruling NRM establishment.