Defeated Mao says he'd have resigned from Parliament if he got less than 10 votes in Speaker race

Opposition Democratic Party president general and 2026–2031 Speaker contender Norbert Mao is seen ahead of the voting in Kampala on May 25, 2026. PHOTO/IBRAHIM KAVUMA

Opposition Democratic Party (DP) president general Norbert Mao has revealed he was prepared to resign from Parliament if his bid for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament attracted fewer than 10 votes, describing the contest as a moral stand against fear and political conformity.

In a statement published on X after losin in Monday’s Speaker election at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Mao said he entered the race fully aware of the ruling National Resistance Movement’s overwhelming numerical advantage but insisted the battle was about principle rather than victory.

“When the counting started, one MP told me that due to strict partisan voting I would be lucky to get ten votes,” Mao wrote, revealing that: “I put my seat on the line by telling him that if I got less than ten votes I would resign from Parliament.”

Mao eventually secured 15 votes, finishing third behind National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Paul Mwiru, who garnered 60 votes, and winner Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the NRM candidate who swept to victory with 441 votes.

The DP leader said many allies had urged him to abandon the race altogether, fearing embarrassment in the heavily NRM-dominated House.

“Many counseled me to throw in the towel fearing the outcome of the ballot. Despite the tyranny of numbers that overwhelmed us, we declare that ours was not a numerical challenge but a moral challenge,” he maintained.

Mao argues that his candidacy helped force a broader national conversation about Parliament’s image and leadership following months of controversy surrounding the outgoing House leadership.

“We took up a fight everyone was cowering from and faced attacks from many quarters including from friends blinded by short term considerations,” he wrote.

He added: “Thanks to the power of outrage fueled by many patriots, Parliament can breathe again. Our collective efforts brought a gush of fresh air in Parliament.”

Monday’s Speaker election unfolded under the shadow of growing public scrutiny over Parliament’s leadership, corruption allegations and demands for institutional reform following turbulent final months under former Speaker Anita Among.