• Mao denies declaring interest in the Speaker position

• Says public goodwill reflects demand for an accountable Parliament

• NRM CEC has already endorsed Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has come out to address growing rumours claiming that he is eyeing the position of Speaker of Parliament.

During an address to Democratic Party (DP) members and the public, Mao dismissed reports circulating in both mainstream and social media suggesting that he has already decided to contest for the powerful parliamentary seat.

Mao said he has never declared interest in the position and described the reports as speculative and misleading.

 “I have not even said anything about that position,” Mao said. “But there is this outpouring of goodwill by people who want Parliament to have institutional power as opposed to personal power.”

He explained that while he technically qualifies for the position like any other Member of Parliament, qualification alone does not amount to intention.

 “The minimum qualification is open to any MP,” Mao said. “Beyond that, people look at education, experience, special skills, and connections — local and international.”

Mao stressed that the Speaker must be loyal to Parliament as an institution, not to individuals or political camps.

 “A Speaker must belong to Parliament, not to anybody else. That’s why they say Speaker of Parliament,” he noted.

Reflecting on events following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, Mao revealed that he privately encouraged then Deputy Speaker Anita Among to take up the role.

 “I told her, ‘By God’s grace, you are going to ascend to that position. Go there with humility,’” Mao said, adding that the circumstances had simply accelerated what would have come later.

He blamed rumours of his alleged bid on political mischief and misinterpretation of media images.

 “I am not the source of those stories,” Mao said. “If I ever decide to run for Speaker, I will announce it myself.”

Despite denying any formal ambition, Mao acknowledged widespread public goodwill linking his name to the position.

 “I feel it when I move on the streets,” he said. “Even people who were once hostile to me now want to talk.”

Mao linked this sentiment to a growing public desire for a more accountable Parliament, especially after the unfinished term of the late Oulanyah.

Meanwhile, the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) has already endorsed Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively, continuing a trend seen in the 11th Parliament.

Mao concluded by noting that the NRM–DP cooperation agreement does not automatically translate into DP fielding candidates for every top parliamentary position.

 “Goodwill is there,” he said. “But goodwill alone does not amount to a declaration.”