Mao’s ‘Wife-Snatching’ Past Casts Doubt on Speaker Bid

Justice Minister Nobert Mao and his wife Beatrice Mao displaying a Marriage Certificate after exchanging their marital vows.

Democratic Party president and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao, is at the center of a storm over alleged personal misconduct, as the ex-husband of his current wife, Beatrice Kayanja, publicly appeals to MPs not to vote him for the position of Speaker of Parliament.

Martin Kayanja, who divorced Beatrice in 2021 after 17 years of marriage, accused Mao of leveraging his official status to “usurp the personal life of an ordinary citizen,” describing the act as an abuse of power, sexual exploitation, and unethical conduct.

“It has come to light that Hon. Mao has used his authority as a public officer to interfere in my family, taking my wife,” Kayanja said. “His actions set a dangerous precedent for public office holders, undermining the integrity expected of leaders in our nation.”

The former couple, married in 2004, separated following a tumultuous marriage. Beatrice, who had served as Mao’s research assistant, filed for divorce citing a stormy marital life, which Martin Kayanja says was aggravated by Mao’s interference. Court documents suggest that Mao’s relationship with Beatrice overlapped with her role as a research assistant, a position Kayanja claims was merely a cover for an extra-marital affair.

Mao’s marital record reveals a history of controversial separations. In 2019, he divorced Naomi Acheng Odongo, who cited physical abuse and cruelty, allegations Mao did not deny. Reports also indicate Mao’s involvement in extramarital relationships with women based abroad, including a high-profile case involving Naomi Odongo Achieng, formerly married to Dr. Ogenga Otunnu in the United Kingdom.

According to sources, Mao’s relationship with Achieng began while she was an asylum seeker in the UK, prompting outrage among the Acholi diaspora. Legal documents at the Newham Registrar of Marriages confirm Achieng’s UK marriage to Dr. Otunnu in 1998. However, she later traveled to Uganda with Mao, sparking questions about the legality of her travel documents and potential immigration violations.

Kayanja insists Mao’s history of “wife-snatching” raises ethical concerns about his suitability for high office. “Voting him into more powerful positions is dangerous for our society,” he said. “Leaders must uphold moral integrity, care for families, and respect democratic norms. Mao’s track record suggests otherwise.”

As Uganda’s 12th Parliament prepares to vote for the Speaker, Kayanja appeals to legislators in the 12th parliament to consider the implications of electing leaders who don’t adhere to ethical standards expected of public officials.

“It is crucial for our nation’s democratic values that we do not elect individuals who engage in corrupt practices,” Kayanja said. “We must stand against abuse of office, maintain integrity, and demand accountability from those in authority.”

Mao and Naomi had two children, Nicholas Hope Mao and Nathan Hale Mao by the time they divorced. He however has no child with the alleged newly ‘stolen wife’, Beatrice.

Mao has not publicly responded to the allegations.