Mao Calls for Reform as 12th Parliament Takes Shape

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao has argued that discussion should shift to what needs to be done to make the 12th Parliament the “kind of Parliament that Ugandans want".

Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, Mao emphasised the need for a legislature committed to accountability, transparency, and public service, warning that without these qualities, Uganda could end up with “worse than what it had in the 11th Parliament."

“Imagine Kirunda Kivejinja resigned because of illegally taking fuel which he used for building a road. People would say you are mad if you said such a thing should happen in the current Parliament. Now, you see wealth and you ask, 'Surely, what do these MPs sell?' Do they have some goldmines somewhere?” Mao said.

As the 12th Parliament prepares to fully take shape in May 2026, it will comprise 556 Members of Parliament, including special interest group representatives. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) will dominate with 370 legislators, followed by 60 independents, 49 MPs from the National Unity Platform (NUP), 12 from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), 10 from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), six from the Democratic Party (DP), two from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and one from the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).

The size of Parliament has reignited debate over Uganda’s economic capacity to support such a large legislature. Critics argue that the cost of maintaining over 550 MPs may not be justified amid the country’s economic challenges, while others question whether all positions are necessary for effective representation.

Observers have raised concerns about the expected quality of debate and legislation. With nearly 80 per cent of MPs being new, analysts warn that the influx of inexperienced legislators—many accused of self-interest—may result in shallow debate, weak scrutiny of government policy, and compromised lawmaking.

They further argue that without strong institutional guidance, mentorship, and a commitment to public service, the new Parliament risks falling short of its constitutional mandate of effective representation, oversight, and legislation.

Recently, Mao officially declared his bid for Speaker of Parliament after concluding a nationwide consultation phase. Speaking at the DP headquarters in Kampala, the Laroo-Pece MP-elect stated that he had gathered sufficient views and support to inform his decision. He described corruption as Uganda’s biggest challenge and pledged to prioritise accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity if elected.

Mao also urged supporters not to actively campaign for him, citing his qualifications, experience, and track record as sufficient credentials. He described the current speakership as "accidental", following the death of former speaker Jacob L'Okori Oulanyah in September 2022, and argued that the country now requires a deliberate and well-thought-out choice.

Weeks earlier, Mao highlighted that the DP–NRM cooperation agreement positions him favourably for the Speakership. Despite DP holding only six seats, he cited his political experience, leadership credentials, and alliances with NRM members across party lines as key strengths. Supporters have compared his leadership style to the late Oulanyah, describing him as conciliatory and capable of presiding over Parliament inclusively.

Mao is one of at least six candidates vying to lead the 12th Parliament. Other contenders include incumbent Speaker Anita Among; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; Masindi District Woman MP Dr Florence Asiimwe Akiiki; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County. All other candidates are affiliated with the ruling NRM.

"Mao, who said that fish rots from the head, is now serving under that same head. If you bring Mao as Speaker, it could even be worse because the NRM will be holding him by the collar,” said government spokesperson and Member of Parliament-elect for Older Persons in the Eastern Region Ofwono Opondo during the same political talk show, criticising Mao’s bid for the Speakership.

The speakership race has emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests of the year, with parties and MPs positioning themselves ahead of the first sitting of the newly constituted legislature.