Uganda’s Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has defended his position in the Cabinet while taking aim at critics within his own Democratic Party (DP), accusing them of hypocrisy and personal resentment.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Mao dismissed growing criticism from party members opposed to his cooperation with the ruling government.
He suggested that some of the backlash is driven by dissatisfaction over missed political opportunities rather than principle.
“If you have people whose only thinking is that Mao got and we didn’t, that is why they are running around making noise,” Mao said.
“There was a time they also got and I wasn’t complaining, and it is from my principle of wishing them well that I ended up in Cabinet.”
His remarks come at a time of visible internal divisions within the DP, with sections of the party questioning his decision to serve under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
Mao, however, maintained that his choices are guided by consistency and political maturity rather than opportunism.
In a statement that has since drawn attention, Mao referenced an earlier declaration in which he indicated ambitions to return to a key parliamentary leadership role.
“Put in your calendar for Tuesday’s press conference: I will return as Speaker,” he had said during an address on May 19, 2026.
However, a week later, Mao—who was already named in the new Cabinet—has not resumed activities at DP offices, only resurfacing in Parliament where he addressed journalists two days ago.
The development has raised questions about his political direction and commitment to party structures, with some DP members expressing concern over his limited presence at party headquarters.
Mao also pushed back against criticism targeting his ministerial role, noting what he described as contradictions among his detractors.
“I have been insulted for serving as a minister, yet those insulting me are now lobbying for ministerial posts,” he said.
He further criticized certain DP members for what he termed as insincerity, referencing past incidents involving party symbolism and alliances.
“Even DP members who broke my portrait escorted Nsibambi to State House, only to hide during photo moments. Why do something you don’t believe in?” he posed.
The Justice Minister’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions within the opposition party as it navigates its identity and strategy ahead of future political contests