Principal Road Safety Officer Ronald Amanyire has endorsed Norbert Mao for the position of Speaker of Parliament, arguing that the role requires neutrality, independence, and the ability to restore public confidence in the legislature.
In a detailed statement, Amanyire said his preference for Mao is grounded in the expectation that the Speaker should rise above partisan loyalties and provide balanced leadership in the House.
He noted that with relatively few Democratic Party (DP) Members of Parliament, Mao is uniquely positioned to act without strong partisan pressure.
Amanyire expressed concern over the performance of the previous Parliament, which he said was widely perceived as compromised.
According to him, this perception has raised serious questions about institutional integrity and the quality of leadership, making the choice of the next Speaker critical.
He outlined key qualifications for the role, including neutrality in presiding over debates, the ability to unify members across political divides, a strong grasp of national issues, and effective communication skills.
Other factors include institutional memory, political experience, and credibility with the public.
While acknowledging that none of the leading candidates has demonstrated an outstanding record of achievements that clearly sets them apart, Amanyire pointed to Mao’s long political career as a significant advantage.
He noted that Mao’s involvement in national politics dates back to his time as Guild President at Makerere University, giving him extensive experience in political processes.
In contrast, Amanyire raised concerns about another candidate, referred to as AAA, questioning her depth of understanding of national issues and her ability to articulate complex parliamentary matters.
He concluded that the debate should focus on the needs of Parliament rather than personalities, emphasizing the importance of electing a Speaker capable of restoring trust and strengthening institutional credibility.