Democratic Party leader and Justice Minister Norbert Mao has defended his decision to submit his bid for the Speaker of the 12th Parliament directly to President Yoweri Museveni, instead of the NRM Electoral Commission, saying the move was intentional and based on party leadership structure.
Speaking on Saturday, Mao said he directed his expression of interest to Museveni in his capacity as NRM National Chairman, arguing that the President remains the key political authority within the ruling party framework.
“Those asking why I didn’t submit an expression of interest letter for the Speakership to the NRM Electoral Commission should know that I submitted my expression of interest to President Kaguta Museveni, the NRM National Chairman,” Mao said.
He added that the communication reached its destination, citing confirmation from State House.
“I can confirm that the letter reached because I got a call to that effect from the Principal Private Secretary to the President,” he said.
Mao further dismissed the idea that he should have physically delivered his letter to the NRM Electoral Commission offices at Kyadondo Road, describing such a step as unnecessary.
“Going to Kyadondo Road would be unnecessary drama. It would also be seen as blackmail - something I do not believe in,” he said.
His remarks come after questions emerged over why he did not follow the same procedure used by other aspirants who submitted their expressions of interest through the NRM Electoral Commission.
Mao’s bid has drawn attention due to his position outside the ruling party, despite operating under a cooperation arrangement between the Democratic Party and the NRM. His letter to Museveni reportedly framed the speakership race within the context of inter-party cooperation and institutional consultation.
In earlier remarks, Mao argued that the selection process for the speakership should be guided by internal political consultations rather than rigid party administrative procedures, pointing to the influence of the NRM leadership and parliamentary caucus.
The NRM Electoral Commission has insisted that aspirants seeking party endorsement must follow established internal procedures. Some officials within the party have also indicated preference for candidates drawn from within NRM ranks, setting the stage for internal debate over Mao’s entry into the race.
Mao’s clarification now places emphasis on Museveni’s dual role as President and NRM National Chairman, underscoring his strategy of engaging top leadership rather than party technical organs.
The speakership race is expected to intensify as parliamentary leadership contests take shape ahead of the inauguration of the 12th Parliament.