Former Public Accounts Committee chairperson and Bardege-Layibi MP Ojara Mapenduzi has openly dismissed Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao’s bid for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, saying he does not consider him a viable contender for his vote.
Speaking during an appearance on Next Radio on Saturday, Mapenduzi said he would instead support the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate in the highly contested race, signaling growing political alignment within the ruling party’s parliamentary bloc ahead of the leadership contest.
“I don’t think Norbert Mao deserves my vote. I will give my vote to the NRM candidate for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Mapenduzi stated.
His remarks add a new layer of tension to an already crowded race that includes senior political figures such as Anita Among, Persis Namuganza, and Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, with Norbert Mao entering the contest as one of the most high-profile challengers outside the ruling party’s core structures.
Mapenduzi acknowledged Mao’s constitutional right to contest but expressed doubt over his political strategy and chances of success.
“Norbert Mao has a right to express his interest in the Speakership race, but I’m sure he knows he’s not going anywhere,” he said.
The legislator further suggested that some candidates may be driven by motives other than genuine competition for the seat, arguing that ambition alone does not translate into parliamentary support.
“People join the Speakership race for the 12th Parliament for different intentions, but if Norbert Mao’s intention is to win the race, I think he should have taken more time to think it through,” Mapenduzi added.
Mao’s candidature has drawn mixed reactions within political circles, especially given his dual role as DP president and a serving minister under the NRM-led government.
His bid has been framed by supporters as an attempt to promote institutional independence in Parliament, while critics question his political leverage within the current power structure.
The Speakership contest is expected to be heavily influenced by party arithmetic in the 12th Parliament, with the NRM holding a decisive numerical advantage.
Mapenduzi’s endorsement of the ruling party candidate is likely to reinforce expectations that the Speakership race will ultimately be shaped by party discipline rather than individual ambition, setting the stage for a tightly managed political contest in the coming weeks.