Politics 15 May 2026 The Observer (Uganda)

Norbert Mao Endorses PLU's Withdrawal of Support for Among and Tayebwa

Norbert Mao, an aspirant for the Speaker of Parliament, has publicly backed the Patriotic League of Uganda's (PLU) decision to withdraw their endorsement of Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa. Mao described the PLU's move as a principled stance against corruption, asserting that public trust in Parliament has eroded. Source: https://observer.ug/news/mao-backs-plu-withdrawal-of-support-for-among-tayebwa

Norbert Mao, who vied for the position of Speaker in the 12th Parliament, has thrown his support behind the Patriotic League of Uganda’s (PLU) recent decision to retract their backing for former Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Mao characterized the PLU’s action as a “principled stand against corruption,” emphasizing a significant decline in public confidence in the institution of Parliament. Speaking to reporters after taking his oath as the Member of Parliament for Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City, he stated, “You cannot say you are fighting malaria and then you are a friend to mosquitoes.”

He further commended the PLU for their consistent public stance on corruption, noting, “I am happy that the PLU has taken a stand against corruption, and fighting corruption means you fight the corrupt.”

The race for parliamentary leadership has intensified, with alliances and internal National Resistance Movement (NRM) dynamics becoming more apparent. The PLU, closely linked to First Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, initially supported Among and Tayebwa for re-election but later reversed its position, directing members to align with President Museveni and the NRM Central Executive Committee’s guidance.

Muhoozi’s recent social media posts questioning the acquisition of luxury vehicles by some Ugandan politicians, interpreted by many as a veiled critique of Among, have added to the discourse surrounding wealth and governance.

Mao, positioning himself as a reform-minded leader, pledged to foster stronger institutional accountability and internal parliamentary reforms if elected. He proposed the establishment of a “caucus of the whole House” to create a non-partisan platform for MPs to address national and parliamentary issues effectively.

His remarks about equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of status, using an analogy of Ugandan currency notes, appeared aimed at addressing public frustration with perceived inequality and the idea that political elites operate above the law.

This contest for parliamentary leadership is increasingly seen as reflecting broader power struggles and succession calculations within Uganda’s political establishment.