The Democratic Party (DP) has strongly defended the decision by its president, Norbert Mao, to contest for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, with party spokesperson Kennedy Mutenyo describing Mao as the most qualified and principled candidate in the race.
Speaking to Canary Mugume during Next Big Talk hosted by Next Radio on Wednesday, Mutenyo said the Laroo-Pece Member of Parliament-elect has every constitutional and procedural right to express interest in the Speakership.
"I think Hon. Mao, as an MP-elect, has every right to express his interest as he did for the Speakership race. Parliamentary rules of procedure don't say that political parties nominate candidates for the Speakership. It is the Members of Parliament who nominate," he said.
Mutenyo revealed that a number of DP members, as well as legislators outside the party, have expressed support for Mao's bid. He emphasized that leadership of Parliament should not be determined solely by the numerical strength of political parties.
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"To think that the Speaker of Parliament is determined by the number of MPs from a particular political party is erroneous. Some MPs will focus on what is best for them and for the country, not just the party a candidate belongs to," he said.
According to Mutenyo, Parliament requires a leader of Mao's caliber -- someone embodying integrity, experience, wisdom, unity, dialogue, and reconciliation.
"If I were a voter in Parliament, I would not only vote for him but also campaign for him. The DP offers the best for Parliament because at the DP, we put Uganda first," he said.
Mutenyo confirmed that Mao has formally offered himself for the Speakership race.
"I'm coming from a management meeting, and Mao has confirmed that he has indeed offered himself for the Speakership race," he said.
Earlier this week, while addressing journalists in Kampala, Mao, who also serves as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, officially declared his bid for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Mao stated that his nationwide consultations had concluded and that he had gathered sufficient views and support to justify entering the race for the country's top legislative seat.
He pledged that, if entrusted with the office, he would prioritise accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity within Parliament.
"The legislature must reclaim its oversight role and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly," he said.
However, Mao cautioned supporters and party members against actively campaigning for him, asserting that his qualifications, experience, and track record speak for themselves.
Mutenyo also addressed recent remarks by Mao in which he described Uganda as having ended up with what he termed an "accidental Speaker" following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in September 2022.
Mao had stated that the current Speaker, Anita Annet Among, assumed office due to unforeseen circumstances rather than as part of a long-term leadership plan.
Mutenyo said Mao's comments had been misinterpreted.
"What he meant was that nobody could have planned for the death of the late Jacob Oulanyah. Anita Among came into office because the law provides that the Deputy Speaker assumes the position," he said.
Among, who had been serving as Deputy Speaker, was subsequently elected to the top position in accordance with parliamentary procedures.
As the DP prepares to mark 72 years in August, Mutenyo underscored the party's long-standing commitment to integrity and principled leadership.
"In the Democratic Party, integrity comes first; we live it, sleep it, and eat it. Whoever does not uphold it will always have problems," he said.
Quoting scripture, Mutenyo added: "As the Bible says, we shall know them by their fruits. By May, we shall know which of the five candidates in the Speakership race is a joker -- and a joker must go to Taiwan."
Mutenyo reiterated that Mao has never disappointed as party president and remains committed to fostering unity, peaceful dialogue, and national reconciliation.
A few weeks ago, Mao told journalists in Kampala that the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the NRM places him at an advantage in the Speakership race, given the NRM's numerical strength in the incoming 12th Parliament.
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The former presidential candidate revealed that several Members of Parliament have already reached out to him with assurances of support, including legislators from outside the DP.
Although the Democratic Party currently has only six MPs, Mao said the partnership with the NRM, combined with his experience in politics and governance, enhances his prospects.
Some of Mao's supporters have likened his leadership style to that of the late Jacob Oulanyah, describing him as conciliatory, exceptional, and unifying.
Mao is one of at least five candidates who have expressed interest in leading the 12th Parliament.
Others include incumbent Speaker Anita Among; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County--all affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
