Politics 27 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Mao Urges Parliament to Delay New MPs' Induction Until After Speaker Election
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has written to the parliamentary clerk requesting that the induction of new MPs for the 12th Parliament occur only after electing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He argues this prevents bias from outgoing Speaker Anita Among's supporters influencing the newcomers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mao-asks-parliament-to-inaugurate-new-mps-after-election-of-house-speaker-deputy-5438422
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, who is vying for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, has asked the Clerk to Parliament to postpone the induction of new MPs until after the election of the House Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
In a letter dated April 27, 2026, Mao objected to Parliament’s schedule, which places the swearing-in and induction before leadership elections. As the MP-elect for Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City and Democratic Party President General, he insists the House is not fully constituted without its leaders.
Mao highlighted that nearly two-thirds of MPs are newcomers, stressing the need to avoid distractions during orientation. He referenced a recent NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi, where outgoing Speaker Anita Among allegedly overshadowed expert sessions and criticized him for his Speaker bid despite not being from the ruling party.
He expressed concerns over the induction’s speaker lineup, claiming Among has selected loyalists who might prioritize promoting her candidacy over delivering impartial knowledge. Mao noted she excluded critics like himself from presenting at the Kyankwanzi event.
This article is based on a report from Daily Monitor (Uganda).