Uganda got Accidental Speaker after Death of Oulanyah – Norbert Mao

Norbert Mao, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister of Uganda and President General of the Democratic Party (DP), has said the elevation of Anita Among as Speaker was accidental. He described her leadership of Parliament as an outcome of circumstance, saying the country got an “accidental Speaker” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

Oulanyah, who was elected Speaker of the 11th Parliament in May 2021, died in March 2022 while receiving treatment abroad, triggering a leadership transition in Parliament.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Mao unveiled his bid for the top parliamentary post, framing his campaign around competence, experience, constitutional knowledge, and a commitment to strengthening legislative governance.

“…Unfortunately, we lost the late Jacob Oulanyah. So we got an accidental Speaker. It was not supposed to be that way,” Nobert Mao said, referring to the elevation of Anita Among as Speaker.

“When Oulanyah passed on, Uganda found itself with what I would call an accidental Speaker. It was not by design but by circumstance,” Mao added, reflecting on the political manouvres that followed Oulanyah’s untimely death in March 2022 while receiving treatment abroad.

Following Oulanyah’s death, Parliament elected then-Deputy Speaker Anita Among as Speaker in March 2022, a move Mao suggested was shaped more by timing and circumstance than by long-term design or competence.

“I am asking the Members of Parliament whether they think my election as Speaker will be an improvement in Parliament or not. I also want Parliament to improve. It’s a battle. We are facing very strong forces, but I am doing this for God and my country,” said Mao.

He emphasized that his candidacy is anchored in ensuring the Speakership is guided by merit, house rules, parliamentary experience, compentence and the ability to uphold rule of law.

“Parliament deserves leadership that is deliberate, capable, and committed to the rule of law,” he said.

The announcement signals what is expected to be a competitive race for the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, with Mao positioning himself as a strategic candidate with both political and legal credentials, ready to navigate the complex dynamics of the House.

Oulanyah’s death, less than a year into his tenure, marked a turning point in Uganda’s parliamentary history, highlighting the influence of unforeseen events on leadership succession and shaping the trajectory of the current legislature. At the time, then-Deputy Speaker Anita Among branded herself as having been very close to Oulanyah.

Norbert Mao’s bid has excited many on social media. Ugandans have taken to their platforms to express support for him, urging him to restore the credibility of Parliament and fight the alleged rampant corruption in the House.