After three years away from elective politics, Norbert Mao has made a dramatic return to Parliament, reclaiming the Laroo-Pece seat and instantly reigniting debate about his next political move.
The Justice Minister and Democratic Party president’s comeback has not only thrilled his supporters in Gulu but also sparked intense speculation in political circles: Is Mao quietly positioning himself for the powerful post of Speaker of Parliament once Anita Among’s term comes to an end?
Insiders point to Mao’s increasingly warm working relationship with President Yoweri Museveni’s NRM as a possible strategy to build cross-party backing for a future Speaker bid. His return to the House at this particular moment has only fueled whispers that bigger ambitions may be at play.
However, Mao has moved to cool the speculation. Speaking after engagements with Speaker Anita Among, he dismissed claims that he is already plotting for the Speaker’s seat, describing such talk as premature.
“I have returned to serve my people and fulfil my mandate in Parliament,” Mao reportedly told colleagues, insisting no formal plans have been made regarding any higher parliamentary office.
Still, with Mao now back on the floor of Parliament after a long absence, political watchers say his every move will be closely followed. Whether this return is simply about representation or the opening chapter of a calculated climb to Uganda’s top parliamentary seat remains the question on everyone’s lips
