Norbert Mao has outlined an ambitious reform agenda for Uganda’s legislature, pledging to create a cross-party caucus aimed at easing political tensions and strengthening democratic debate if elected Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Speaking on Thursday during his swearing-in as Member of Parliament, Mao emphasized the need for a unified platform where lawmakers from across the political divide can engage constructively on national issues.
His proposal comes amid growing concerns over partisan divisions within Parliament that have, at times, slowed legislative progress.
Mao said the proposed “caucus of the whole House” would bring together all MPs regardless of party affiliation to address internal grievances and deliberate on issues that transcend political lines.
According to him, many of the country’s pressing challenges require collective solutions rather than partisan contestation.
“When I am elected to lead the House, I will ensure that we have something called the caucus of the whole House,” Mao stated.
“There are some problems which have no party lines. The caucus will enable us to tackle problems together as representatives of the people.”
He stressed that Parliament must reclaim its central role as a problem-solving institution, arguing that legislative debates should prioritize national interest over political allegiance.
Mao noted that effective governance depends on openness to ideas from all sides of the political spectrum.
“It doesn’t matter who comes with the best solution,” he said. “If it serves Uganda best, that is what we should pay attention to.”
The Democratic Party president further called for reforms to parliamentary procedures to ensure inclusivity and meaningful participation.
He proposed giving all MPs sufficient opportunity to contribute to debates, saying structured engagement would improve the quality of legislative outcomes.
“We must give all Members of Parliament their due airtime to talk. We should organise them so that we have real debate,” Mao added.
Beyond institutional reforms, Mao framed his leadership vision around social justice and equality, highlighting the responsibility of Parliament to protect vulnerable citizens.
He argued that legislative decisions should be guided by fairness and equal treatment of all Ugandans, regardless of their socio-economic status.
In a vivid analogy, Mao likened citizens to currency notes, asserting that every Ugandan holds equal value despite differences in appearance or circumstance.
“Citizens should be like legal tender,” he explained. “If you have a UGX10,000 note that is brand new and another that is torn and worn out, they still hold the same value. That is how we should treat all Ugandans.”
Political observers say Mao’s remarks signal an attempt to position himself as a consensus builder in a highly polarized political environment.
His call for cross-party collaboration and emphasis on equality could resonate with MPs seeking to bridge divides within the House.