Physical Address
Market Street , Kamokya KAMPALA
By Richard Onencan Apil
As Uganda approaches the 12th Parliament, the debate over the next Speaker has revealed something troubling among a section of Acholi MPs: not strategy, not principle, but reckless political impatience directed at one of their own before the real contest has even begun.A few Acholi MPs have rushed into loud public endorsements before consultation, before reflection, and before any collective reasoning can take place. This is not leadership. It is political noise. It is panic disguised as loyalty.This moment requires calm judgment. Instead, what is visible is hurried alignment driven by emotion rather than thought.Rt. Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and MP-elect for Laroo-Pece, enters this discussion not as a mere regional actor but as a national statesman. A constitutional lawyer. A seasoned legislator. A bridge between Uganda’s political past and present governance.
Few leaders in this country possess his parliamentary memory, legal clarity, and national profile.Speakership is not a friendship token. It is not a repayment counter for political favors. It is the most powerful office in Parliament, shaping order, debate, and legislative direction.Reducing it to personal loyalties is an insult to the institution.What is increasingly clear is that the rush by some Acholi MPs to oppose Mao is not guided by ideology or assessment of competence. It is driven by insecurity—and in some corners, jealousy. Jealousy of a leader whose national stature and intellectual command make him a natural contender for higher responsibility.
There is no credible argument against Mao’s suitability. The resistance appearing in fragments is not about merit. It is discomfort with his weight as a leader.Shockingly, it is Acholi MPs themselves who are at the front of this premature fight against Mao before the real political contest has even started. While leaders across the country are engaged in serious discussions about strengthening Parliament, some Acholi leaders appear excited and politically short-sighted.Have they forgotten “Operation Harmony” and the role Mao has played over the years in advocating for unity, reconciliation, and structured politics in the region? Have they forgotten that Mao left Parliament nearly 20 years ago and has now returned through a decisive victory in Laroo-Pece, demonstrating renewed public trust and relevance?
Uganda has seen this pattern before: capable leaders resisted not because they are unfit but because they are formidable.The late Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah left unfinished work in restoring parliamentary dignity, strengthening committee systems, and deepening respect for constitutional procedure. Mao has the maturity and legal mind to carry that vision forward.This is not a small matter. It is a national opportunity.Acholi MPs should be careful not to be remembered as the very people who fought their own before the national process even began.
Political statements made in haste have a long memory. The country is watching. Voters are watching. History is unforgiving to leaders who act out of emotion instead of wisdom.The Speakership of the 12th Parliament must be decided on competence, national interest, and institutional strength—not speed, excitement, or envy.Uganda deserves leaders who think before they speak.
