Acholi MPs face backlash for endorsing Speaker Among over Mao

NiletimesFeb 10, 2026Read original

A section of Members of Parliament from Acholi Sub region are facing backlash after endorsing the current Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among as the Speaker of the 12thParliament.

The backlash follows a media statement by Democratic Party-DP President Norbert Mao showing intentions to run for the Speaker of the 12thParliament.

Last week, social media videos of Anthony Akol, [Kilak North], Martine Ojara Mapenduzi, [Bardege-Layibi] and Ricky Anywar [Agago West] endorsing Speaker Among over Mao.

While constitutionally, it’s the mandate of Members of Parliament to vote for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker under the Parliamentary rules of Procedure, the youths argue that as a region, the MPs should have gone slow in endorsing candidates, especially before candidates campaigning to them.

The youths argue that with the government being positioned towards a peaceful transition, there`s need for an accountable and people centred parliament where the interest of the citizens are prioritized.

Henry Labeja, an advocate for Democracy and Governance says with a sizable number of experienced Members of Parliament losing their Parliamentary seats in the recently concluded general elections, there`s need for a Speaker who understands service delivery both in local and central government.

“we need a Speaker who understands local and central government politics, but one who will just go and serve the interest of a few people who are already doing well”, Labeja said.

Labeja wants the members of parliament from Acholi not focus on money but prioritize leadership, noting the battle between Mao and Among will purely be about money and leadership.

Francis Otim, the Democratic Party Chairperson for Bardege-Layibi Division in Gulu City, says the MPs should have first consulted with other stakeholders but also focus on positioning Acholi sub region and Northern Uganda as a region in benefiting from the national cake.

According to Otim, the endorsements by the three members of parliament from Acholi are simply money oriented and not about leadership.

“Hon Mapenduzi was groomed by Mao, but along the way lost track, so you wonder why he would go to endorse another person if it is not just greed” Otim said.

Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South Member of Parliament, while handing over mattresses to best performing pupils in Amuru district castigated his colleagues for endorsing Among saying it was too early.