The race for Uganda’s 12th Parliament speakership has taken a political turn after Bukooli Central MP Solomon Silwanyi downplayed the chances of Democratic Party president Norbert Mao, insisting that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will retain the top parliamentary seat.
Speaking during an appearance at Next Radio, Silwanyi said Mao is eligible to contest but argued that the political arithmetic within Parliament favours the ruling party.
He stated that although Mao can participate in the race, the Speakership will not leave the NRM camp.
“Hon. Norbert Mao can be Speaker of Parliament, but he is not NRM. The NRM has more competent candidates,” Silwanyi said.
He added that the structure of government and parliamentary power dynamics make it unlikely for an opposition figure to secure the position.
“The Speakership position will be taken by a member of the NRM. No government in power can give the Speakership position to a member of the opposition,” he said.
Silwanyi further dismissed Mao’s influence in the contest, saying the Justice Minister does not present a real challenge to ruling party contenders.
“Hon. Norbert Mao doesn’t pose any threat,” he said.
“Hon. Norbert Mao doesn’t pose any threat in the speakership race,” Silwanyi added.
Mao recently declared interest in the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, positioning himself as a reform-minded candidate seeking to strengthen accountability and oversight within the legislature.
His entry into the race has triggered political debate over whether opposition figures can realistically compete for one of the most powerful offices in Parliament.
However, NRM legislators continue to express confidence that the ruling party’s numerical strength will determine the outcome.
Internal party processes, particularly within the NRM caucus, are expected to play a decisive role in narrowing down candidates before Parliament votes.
The Speakership contest is shaping into a wider political test of influence, with ruling party leaders projecting continuity while opposition-leaning voices push for greater competitiveness in parliamentary leadership.