Politics 6 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kitara Rejects Claims of Being Speaker Among's Proxy in Election Challenge Against Mao
Tony Kitara, who ran for Laroo-Pece Division MP on the NRM ticket, has dismissed accusations that Speaker Anita Among is using him to target Justice Minister Norbert Mao through his High Court election petition. Kitara insists his legal action addresses electoral irregularities, not political agendas. Source: https://observer.ug/news/kitara-denies-being-used-by-speaker-among-against-minister-mao
Tony Kitara, the former NRM candidate for Laroo-Pece Division, has firmly denied suggestions that he is a tool in Speaker Anita Among’s hands to undermine Justice Minister Norbert Mao.
In the January 15 elections, Mao secured victory with 7,359 votes, ahead of incumbent Fr Charles Onen (5,562 votes), while Kitara placed third with 2,867 votes. Last week, Kitara lodged a petition at the Gulu High Court, represented by lawyer Caleb Alaka, alleging multiple violations.
Key accusations include Mao campaigning in restricted zones like Lawiyeadul Ward, voter bribery involving Shs 150,000 to a women’s group leader at Gulu Town primary school, and an Electoral Commission official issuing voter slips at a Mao rally.
Kitara also claims Mao exceeded campaign hours and joined radio shows during the pre-poll blackout. He stressed his move is ‘purely legal’ to document issues, calling Mao’s X post—‘I don’t fight dogs, I fight their owners’—disrespectful.
Bishop Godfrey Loum of Northern Uganda Diocese advised defeated candidates in Acholi to opt for mediation over court, citing risks of time, costs, and divisions. Mao and the EC have yet to respond.