By Aggrey Baba
The Democratic Party (DP) Deputy Treasurer, John Bosco Kamoga, has reaffirmed party president Norbert Mao’s bid for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, insisting that no political force, including Jacob Oboth-Oboth, can stop his boss after what he described as Mao’s successful political battle against outgoing Speaker Anita Among.
Speaking during a YouTube interview with Mulengera News journalist Aggrey Baba (whose details can be accessed via this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvi0jy49R5o), Kamoga said Mao is currently in the strongest position to become Uganda’s next Speaker, arguing that Among had been the biggest obstacle in his path.
According to Kamoga, Among was a deeply rooted and powerful political figure who commanded fear and influence across Parliament, making her the hardest opponent Mao could ever face in the race. He however said that now that her political troubles have weakened her camp, Mao’s path to the Speakership is becoming clearer.
Kamoga used a cultural analogy to explain his confidence in Mao’s chances, comparing Among to a “Muvule” (mahogany tree), known for being strong, heavy and difficult to cut down, while likening Oboth-Oboth to “Ensogasoga,” a softer tree that can easily be broken.
“If Mao has managed to shake and uproot a Muvule, then why should people think he can fail to break Ensogasoga?” Kamoga said during the interview.
His remarks come at a time when Among remains under intense scrutiny following ongoing investigations by security agencies into allegations of corruption and extravagant spending in Parliament, which saw her luxury Rolls-Royce being impounded by the Police on Monday, May 18.
The investigations intensified after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew its earlier endorsement of Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, over corruption-related concerns.
The controversy surrounding Among escalated after reports emerged that she had allegedly acquired a luxury Rolls-Royce worth billions of shillings, a development that sparked criticism among sections of the public and within the ruling establishment.
Muhoozi publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged purchase, questioning how such luxury spending could happen at a time when many Ugandans were struggling economically.
Kamoga claimed that Mao had for months consistently spoken out against corruption within Parliament and had openly challenged Among’s leadership style long before the current investigations began.
Since returning to elective politics after winning the Laroo-Pece parliamentary seat in Gulu City earlier this year, Mao has increasingly positioned himself as one of Among’s most vocal critics, repeatedly accusing Parliament leadership of abuse of office and misuse of public funds.
Kamoga said members of “ Team Mao now view the current troubles facing Among as proof that their political fight was justified from the beginning.
“As we speak, we are celebrating because what Mao started speaking about months ago is now being seen by the whole country,” Kamoga said.
He added that Among had become so politically powerful that many MPs feared speaking against her, claiming she had built an almost untouchable political empire inside Parliament.
“People feared her. Many worshipped her politically and nobody wanted to expose what was happening. But Mao came out boldly without fear, and now what he talked about is coming to light,” Kamoga added.
The DP Deputy Treasurer further dismissed suggestions that Oboth-Oboth’s reported backing from sections of the NRM establishment would automatically make him unbeatable in the Speakership contest.
According to him, Mao still has his own political cards and strategies that will surprise many people when the race officially begins.
He argued that Mao’s anti-corruption message remains stronger than that of his competitors, adding that Ugandans are now demanding cleaner leadership in Parliament, referencing the Karamoja iron sheets (mabati) scandal, in which several senior government officials and ministers were previously mentioned, saying allegations surrounding some leaders including Oboth-Oboth, weaken attempts to portray them as better alternatives.
“Ugandans now need a Speaker who can restore dignity and trust in Parliament, and that person is Mao,” Kamoga said.
The DP official maintained that despite the growing political realignments ahead of the 12th Parliament, Mao remains firmly in the race and is increasingly gaining momentum as events continue unfolding. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
