A delicate mix of sympathy and sharp political messaging unfolded at the NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi when Democratic Party (DP) president general Norbert Mao publicly welcomed Speaker of Parliament Anita Among back but not without slipping in a loaded phrase that has reignited debate over the speakership race.
Among returned to the retreat chaired by President Yoweri Museveni after taking time off to mourn her mother-in-law.
Her reappearance was met with a gesture of civility from Mao, her emerging rival for the speakership of the 12th Parliament, in what initially appeared to signal a cooling of tensions following their recent heated exchange.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Among struck a conciliatory tone, expressing gratitude and readiness to rejoin deliberations.
“I’m really happy to be back with my colleagues at NRM leaders’ retreat after taking some time off following the loss of our beloved Mum. My brother Nobert Mao was wonderfully supportive with a warm welcome. I’m excited about the great conversations and connections we’ll share ahead.”
But Mao’s own message, while outwardly respectful, carried a subtle political sting that has not gone unnoticed.
“When outgoing Speaker Anitah Among returned to the retreat after the funeral of her mother in law, civility demanded that I greet her and condole with her. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Politics should be a competition to serve not a fight to the death.”
By referring to Among as “outgoing Speaker,” Mao appeared to assert even if indirectly that her time at the helm of Parliament is coming to an end, reinforcing speculation that he is positioning himself as a serious contender for the top legislative seat.
The remark adds a fresh layer to an already tense rivalry that had earlier exploded into the open at the same retreat. Before her temporary absence, Among had dismissed the idea of “outsiders” seeking the speakership, using a metaphor that suggested cooperation partners like Mao should “remain in the compound” and not venture into the “bedroom” a clear attempt to draw boundaries around power within the NRM establishment.
Mao fired back sharply at the time, accusing the Speaker of “bad manners” and describing her as a “recently adopted child” in the political household a pointed reference to her own relatively recent alignment with the ruling party, having crossed over from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) around 2020.
That exchange exposed deeper fault lines, not just between Mao and Among, but within the broader question of how power is negotiated inside Uganda’s political system, particularly for cooperation partners like the DP.
Now, the latest interaction suggests a tactical shift in tone, but not in ambition.
Mao’s call for civility, “we can disagree without being disagreeable”, may signal an attempt to present himself as statesmanlike and above personal attacks. Yet his choice of words also underscores a continuing confidence that the speakership contest remains open.
That perception has been reinforced by President Museveni’s own remarks at Kyankwanzi, where he indicated that the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) will “discuss” the speakership “when time comes,” appearing to walk back earlier suggestions that the matter had already been settled.
For Among, the challenge remains holding onto incumbency amid shifting signals from the center of power. For Mao, the strategy is becoming clearer: combine respect, timing, and carefully placed political jabs to keep himself firmly in the race.
At Kyankwanzi, the handshake may have returned, but the battle for the Speaker’s chair is very much alive.
