Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has said he is increasingly being encouraged to contest for the position of Speaker of Parliament, but insists he has not yet formally declared his intentions.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mao said reports suggesting he had already entered the race were inaccurate. He noted that while the idea of him running for Speaker has been widely discussed in the media, he is not behind those claims.
“I can assure you that I am not the source of those reports,” Mao said. “I have never been afraid to publicly announce any position I am interested in.”
He added that his name has been receiving a positive response whenever it is mentioned in connection with the speakership.
“There is a lot of goodwill whenever my name is associated with that position,” Mao said. “I feel it when I move on the streets.”
Mao, who is also the Member of Parliament–elect for Laroo–Péce Division in Gulu City, said he believes he has the qualifications, experience and capacity to preside over Parliament. However, he emphasised that he is still consulting key stakeholders before making any official announcement.
He revealed that part of the consultation process will involve meetings with the leadership of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), including President Yoweri Museveni, to openly discuss the issue of the next Speaker of Parliament.
Mao’s remarks come just days after the NRM Central Executive Committee endorsed Anita Annet Among for Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker following a meeting at State House, Entebbe.
