By Aggrey Baba
Known for not mincing words whenever he is handed the microphone, Laroo-Pece MP-elect Norbert Mao on Tuesday warned that MPs in the 12th parliament risk facing voter backlash in 2031 if they ignore him and instead vote for incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among (AAA), whom according to him is unfit to continue steering the wheels of Parliament.
From the very onset, Mao made it clear that Parliament under Among has lost public trust and is now widely viewed as a centre of corruption and deals, rather than a serious oversight institution.
He said the situation deteriorated since AAA became Speaker, after the death of former Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, arguing that the current leadership has failed to protect the dignity and image of the August House.
Mao directly linked his claims to recent remarks by President Yoweri Museveni at Kyankwanzi, where he decried corruption in AAA’s Parliament and also warned MPs against graft, describing it as a dangerous threat to the country.
Mao noted that the President went further and singled out MP Cissy Namujju, referencing her earlier arrest alongside other MPs over corruption, before indicating that Namujju had since exposed other MPs engaged in corruption.
To Mao, this was not a casual warning but confirmation that corruption in Parliament is real, widespread and known even in Museveni’s office.
He argued that AAA carries full responsibility for the state of affairs and described her as the political head of a system that has allowed corruption to thrive.
Mao said Uganda deserves a serious Speaker who will confront corruption head-on, not one who presides over it.
He added that his bid has already shaken the political space, turning the speakership into a national issue being followed closely by ordinary Ugandans, including boda boda riders, market vendors, among others. According to Mao, many of these people openly express support for his bid and desire change, even though they don’t directly vote in Parliament, further warning that MPs should not ignore this growing public mood.
The minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs said voters are watching closely and will remember how each MP votes, adding that supporting AAA will be seen as endorsing corruption.
He maintained that those who take that path risk being punished by voters in 2031. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
