Norbert Mao Decries Acholi Divisions After Failed Speaker Bid

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has voiced significant concern over divisions within the Acholi community, stating that his recent attempt to secure the position of Speaker in the 12th Parliament highlighted these fractures. Mao, who also leads the Democratic Party, expressed disappointment that some of his own kinsmen reportedly turned against his candidacy.

Speaking on local radio, Mao urged for unity among the Acholi people, warning that internal discord could lead to detrimental outcomes. He specifically mentioned the deputy speakership race, where two Acholi women MPs were candidates, and noted that “some of the people who were consulted, they bad-mouthed these two women terribly, our very own Acholi.”

Mao further alleged that such “slander and witch-hunt” is not a new phenomenon, recalling a past instance where Acholi leaders in government allegedly undermined the candidacy of Eala Speaker Dan Kidega for a leadership role at IGAD.

He also revealed knowledge of a memo, addressed to Gen. Salim Saleh, from a group of leaders that contains “so many bad things about me, including so much slanderous and malicious stuff.” Mao, who is involved with Gen. Saleh’s foundation, stated that Gen. Saleh himself had shared a copy of the memo with him.

The minister called for a period of introspection among Acholi leaders, suggesting they establish a private forum to resolve internal grievances. He linked President Museveni’s improved performance in the Acholi sub-region during the 2026 presidential election to a cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the ruling NRM, attributing a significant portion of that success to his own efforts in convincing the population to vote for the President.

Read more on Daily Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/mao-lashes-out-after-bid-for-speaker-splits-acholi-5601684