Politics 28 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Mao Urges Postponement of New MPs' Induction Until After Speaker Election
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has written to the Clerk of Parliament requesting that the induction of new MPs for the 12th Parliament be held after electing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He argues this prevents bias from outgoing Speaker Anita Among's supporters influencing newcomers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mao-asks-parliament-to-hold-new-mps-induction-after-election-of-house-speaker-deputy-5438422
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has asked Parliament’s Clerk to reschedule the induction of new members of the 12th Parliament. In a letter dated April 27, 2026, Mao, who is vying for Speaker, wants the session held after electing the House leadership.
Parliament’s schedule places induction right after swearing-in but before leadership elections. Mao, the MP-elect for Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City and Democratic Party President General, insists the 12th Parliament is not fully constituted until the Speaker and Deputy are chosen.
He highlighted that nearly two-thirds of MPs are newcomers, stressing the need to avoid distractions. Mao recalled the NRM leaders’ retreat in Kyankwanzi, where Speaker Anita Among allegedly diverted attention from expert sessions.
Mao criticized the induction speaker list, claiming Among has selected loyalists likely to promote her instead of educating MPs. He accused her of blocking critics, including himself, from presenting at the Kyankwanzi retreat and attacking his Speaker bid as a non-NRM member.
This article is based on a report from Daily Monitor (Uganda).