Activist Agather Atuhaire has launched a sharp rebuttal against Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao following his defence of earlier remarks in which he appeared to dismiss corruption allegations against Speaker Anita Among.
The exchange comes after Mao attempted to clarify his past comments, stating that he had revised his position based on what he described as “new data” and urging a more evidence-based approach to allegations of corruption in public office.
However, Atuhaire dismissed Mao’s explanation, accusing him of inconsistency and political opportunism, arguing that his shift in position was not driven by new evidence but by changing political interests linked to the ongoing speakership contest.
“It is not new data. It is dishonesty, opportunism and self-centeredness,” Atuhaire stated in a strongly worded response.
She further accused Mao of selectively altering his position depending on political convenience, suggesting that his earlier defence of Speaker Anita Among was influenced by proximity to power and benefits associated with her office.
“Admitting and saying publicly that she is corrupt suits you now. It didn’t then when she was sending you as her representative at events and sharing with you the loot in form of fuel and allowances,” she added.
Atuhaire’s remarks directly challenged Mao’s credibility, implying that his past praise of the Speaker was linked to political alignment and personal benefit rather than objective assessment of facts.
The activist argued that such shifts in position undermine public trust in political leaders, especially those seeking senior leadership roles in Parliament.
She also referenced Mao’s recent argument that corruption cases should be judged based on the strength of evidence required for conviction, acknowledging his point on legal standards but rejecting what she described as moral inconsistency.
“Yes, it is true her file would have more evidence to secure a conviction, I mean her file might have even more evidence than Kuteesa,” Atuhaire said, referring to former officials previously implicated in corruption allegations.
However, she insisted that this does not absolve Mao of responsibility for his earlier defence of the Speaker, arguing that public figures must remain consistent in their positions regardless of political ambitions.
“But it doesn’t absolve you who defended her corruption and now you are condemning it because you want the speakership,” she added.
The exchange has added fresh intensity to the ongoing political conversation surrounding the speakership race, where Mao and Speaker Anita Among are viewed as key contenders.
The debate has increasingly shifted beyond parliamentary politics into questions of integrity, accountability, and consistency in public office.
Mao had earlier responded to the resurfacing of his past statement by acknowledging a change in position, stating that individuals can revise their views when presented with new information.
He compared his shift in stance to historical scientific belief changes, saying even widely accepted ideas have been corrected over time.