By Our Reporter,
KAMPALA
Fresh political tensions have emerged within Uganda’s ruling arrangement following reports that Norbert Mao, the president of the Democratic Party and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, is facing mounting pressure to withdraw from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Mao, who recently secured the Laroo Pece parliamentary seat, had publicly expressed interest in contesting for the speakership, a move that appears to have unsettled sections of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), with which his party maintains a working cooperation.
Highly placed political sources indicate that a series of closed-door meetings involving Mao and senior NRM officials have taken place in recent days. According to the sources, the discussions have centred on persuading him to step down from the race in favour of the ruling party’s endorsed candidates.
The NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), and the party’s national chairman, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, have already endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa to retain their positions.
Sources further claim that Mao has been cautioned about potential political consequences should he proceed with his bid, including the possibility of losing his Cabinet position in the next reshuffle. There are also claims, yet to be independently verified, that his party could face internal and external pressures affecting strategic positions, including the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) slot currently held by Democratic Party secretary general Gerald Siranda.
Mao is expected to address the media this morning at the Democratic Party headquarters on Balintuma Road in Rubaga Division, Kampala. Insiders say his statement could clarify his position on the speakership race, with speculation rife that he may announce a withdrawal.
Meanwhile, parallel efforts are reportedly ongoing to consolidate support around Among. Several other aspirants; Lydia Wanyoto, Florence Asiimwe, Alioni Yorke Odria and Persis Namuganza are said to have been approached to step down and back the incumbent.
However, sources indicate that not all candidates are yielding to the pressure. Both Namuganza and Wanyoto are reportedly still weighing their options, with indications that they may resist calls to withdraw.
Efforts to obtain official comment from Mao and senior NRM officials were ongoing by press time.
