KAMPALA
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has welcomed the decision by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) to withdraw support for second terms for Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, saying the group has demonstrated consistency in its anti-corruption stance.
Addressing journalists after taking oath as the Member of Parliament for Laroo-Pece Division, Mao likened the fight against corruption to public health efforts.
“If you are to fight malaria, you can’t befriend mosquitoes,” Mao said, in reference to PLU’s position.
He criticised the current leadership of Parliament, accusing it of lacking accountability to the public and enabling a culture in which legislators act without sufficient oversight.
On Tuesday, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) leadership announced a shift in its position on the Speaker race.
The group’s Secretary General, Daudi Kabanda, said PLU chairperson and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Muhoozi Kainerugaba, had directed all PLU-leaning MPs not to back Anita Among’s re-election bid and instead await guidance from the President on the preferred candidate for Speaker.
The development has added fresh political intrigue ahead of the leadership contest in the 12th Parliament, where Mao is battling Among for the same seat.
Anita Among currently serves as Speaker, while Thomas Tayebwa is the Deputy Speaker.
Parliament has already set key milestones for the transition. The House is scheduled to be dissolved on May 24, paving the way for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker on May 25, when the 12th Parliament will formally commence its business.
