Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao has welcomed the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU)’s decision to withdraw support for second terms for Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa, saying the group has been consistent in its anti-corruption stance.
Mao argued that genuine efforts to fight corruption require decisiveness, comparing it to battling malaria.
“If you are to fight malaria, you cannot befriend mosquitoes,” he said.
He made the remarks while addressing the media shortly after taking oath as the Member of Parliament for Laroo-Pece Division, marking his return to Parliament after 20 years.
Mao used the occasion to criticize what he described as weak accountability within the current leadership of Parliament, accusing it of fostering a perception that MPs operate above public scrutiny.
“They (PLU) have said that before, but in Uganda people only hear what they want to hear. PLU has been very consistent. They say they will follow what the President directs. They have been repeating that. Of course, based on the decision of the CEC, they had assumed that this matter was settled, but it isn’t,” Mao said.
“I am happy that PLU has taken a stand against corruption. Fighting corruption means you fight the corrupt. You cannot say you are fighting malaria and be friends with mosquitoes, because mosquitoes carry malaria.”
Responding to expectations for the 12th Parliament, Mao called for greater transparency, accountability, and equal treatment of all citizens by the legislature.
“I am hoping that this Parliament in the next five years will respect itself enough to ensure that government keeps its promises to the people. We are watchdogs, and we will encourage citizens to also watch us, because the watchdog cannot go unwatched. Parliament must be accountable,” he said.
“People now think Parliament does whatever it wants, and nobody can question it, but we are all under the same law.”
Mao further emphasized that Parliament must prioritize the interests of ordinary citizens.
“We must ensure that this Parliament protects poor people. The principle we should base our work on is equality of all citizens. A citizen should be like legal tender—whether a new UGX 10,000 note or a worn and torn one, its value remains the same. That is how we should treat all Ugandans,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mao said that if elected Speaker of the 12th Parliament, he would introduce a “caucus of the whole House” to strengthen unity and debate across party lines.
“When I am elected to lead the House, I will ensure we have a caucus of the whole House. Some problems have no party lines. This caucus will help us tackle national issues together as representatives of the people,” he said.
He added that Parliament must strengthen democratic debate by ensuring all MPs are given adequate opportunity to contribute.
“We must strengthen our democracy. Parliament’s role is to solve problems, and it does not matter who brings the best solution. If it serves Uganda best, that is what we should adopt. All members must be given sufficient airtime to speak. We must organize debate properly,” Mao said.
