“My Role Was To Get Rid Of Speaker Anita Among & Now It’s Done- Norbert Mao Finally Speaks The Truth
- NEWS
- June 2, 2026
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A statement attributed to Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister regarding former Speaker of Parliament has triggered intense political discussion, with many Ugandans debating the implications of his comments and what they reveal about internal power struggles within the country’s political landscape.
According to the remarks circulating widely in political circles, Mao suggested that one of his key objectives was to challenge the leadership of Anita Among, arguing that concerns had been raised from various quarters regarding the manner in which the Speaker’s office was being exercised.
“My role was to get rid of Anita Among,” Mao reportedly stated before elaborating that civil society organizations, Members of Parliament, and opposition leaders had repeatedly voiced concerns over the conduct of parliamentary affairs. His comments immediately drew significant attention because of their direct nature.
He further argued that numerous stakeholders had sounded the alarm regarding issues they believed required urgent attention within Parliament. According to Mao, these concerns had persisted for a considerable period and could no longer be ignored by those seeking institutional reforms.

The minister reportedly claimed that the central challenge lay in the office of the Speaker itself, which he suggested had become a focal point of criticism from both political actors and governance advocates. His remarks have since fueled discussions about accountability and leadership within public institutions.
Mao’s statement that “someone needed to shake that chair” has become one of the most widely discussed aspects of the controversy. Political observers say the phrase appears to suggest a deliberate effort to challenge what he viewed as an entrenched concentration of authority within the office.
Supporters of Mao argue that public officials should be willing to speak openly about governance concerns whenever they arise. They contend that robust debate and scrutiny are essential elements of democratic institutions and should not be viewed as acts of hostility.
Others, however, have criticized the remarks, arguing that such statements risk deepening political divisions and creating unnecessary tensions within government structures. They believe disagreements should be addressed through formal institutional mechanisms rather than public declarations.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of broader debates surrounding transparency, accountability, and the role of Parliament in Uganda’s governance framework. Questions about how public institutions should operate have remained central to national political discussions in recent years.
Analysts note that the office of Speaker is among the most influential positions in Uganda’s political system. As the presiding authority over parliamentary proceedings, the Speaker plays a critical role in shaping legislative debates and managing the affairs of the House.

Because of the significance of the position, any comments regarding the office often attract widespread attention. Observers say Mao’s remarks have once again placed parliamentary leadership at the center of national political discourse.
Several commentators have interpreted the statement as evidence of longstanding frustrations among some political actors regarding the direction of parliamentary leadership. Others see it as part of a broader struggle over influence and institutional control within Uganda’s political establishment.
Meanwhile, supporters of Anita Among have defended her record, arguing that she faced the difficult task of managing a complex legislative institution during a period marked by intense political competition and heightened public scrutiny.
They contend that many of the criticisms directed at her leadership were politically motivated and should be viewed within the broader context of Uganda’s often-contentious political environment. As a result, they reject suggestions that she alone was responsible for the controversies that emerged during her tenure.
Political analysts believe the latest remarks could reignite old debates that many assumed had already been settled. They argue that comments from senior government figures tend to carry significant weight and often influence public perceptions of past political events.
The discussion has also highlighted the increasingly blurred lines between political rivalry and institutional criticism. While some see Mao’s comments as an honest assessment of governance challenges, others view them as part of an ongoing political contest for influence.

Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions from citizens expressing a wide range of opinions. Some praised Mao for speaking candidly, while others questioned the timing and purpose of the remarks.
Observers say the episode underscores the continuing importance of Parliament as a battleground for competing political interests. Leadership positions within the institution remain highly consequential because of their impact on legislation, oversight, and national governance.
As debate over the comments continues, many Ugandans are closely examining what the controversy reveals about relationships among key political actors. The discussions have once again brought questions of power, accountability, and institutional reform to the forefront of national attention.
Whether viewed as a bold admission, a political critique, or a reflection on past events, Mao’s remarks have succeeded in reigniting conversation across the country, ensuring that the legacy of Anita Among’s tenure and the broader role of parliamentary leadership remain subjects of vigorous public debate.