Kampala – A public dispute has erupted between Beatrice Mao, wife of Uganda’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao and Ofwono Opondo, a veteran communicator for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), escalating tensions ahead of parliamentary elections for the position of Speaker. The conflict began after Opondo published a column dismissing Mao’s bid for the speakership as unrealistic.
Opondo, recently elected as MP for Older Persons (Eastern Region) in the incoming 12th Parliament, characterized Mao as an opportunist in his column, citing anonymous MPs who reportedly view him as politically unreliable. He drew on Mao’s history as a student activist in the 1990s to suggest a lack of trust among lawmakers, potentially undermining any cross-party support.
Beatrice Mao swiftly responded to Opondo’s critique via social media, questioning his motives and financial stability. “Ofwono Opondo is broke after campaigns. Do you expect any better write-up? He needs to be noticed by considerable pockets,” she posted on X, a statement that quickly gained widespread attention. Her response, reported by Watchdog Uganda, frames Opondo as seeking relevance through attacks on her husband.
The exchange highlights the maneuvering underway as Uganda’s 12th Parliament prepares for its May swearing-in. Norbert Mao, who has been working to strengthen his position within the government since 2021, is reportedly receiving support from within President Yoweri Museveni’s inner circle, according to sources close to the couple. This backing could position him as a unifying figure in a parliament where the NRM holds a significant majority.
However, Mao faces considerable opposition. Incumbent Speaker Anita Among, backed by the NRM caucus, has publicly dismissed his challenge, citing the Democratic Party’s limited representation – only six seats – in the new parliament. Gulu Municipality MP-elect Onen Charles Onen is also vying for the position and is reportedly mobilizing resources to counter Mao’s momentum.
Beatrice Mao, who narrowly lost the Kampala Lord Mayoral race in January 2026, has framed the dispute as a broader effort to silence dissenting voices. In a television interview, she stated, “This isn’t about one column; it’s about silencing voices that dare to dream beyond the establishment.” She pledged to rally support from DP loyalists and other groups.
Norbert Mao and Beatrice Nambi’s marriage in 2024, despite initial criticism from some within the Democratic Party, has further solidified their public profile. The couple’s union, held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu, was attended by prominent figures including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
Political analyst Dr. Sabiti Makara told Watchdog Uganda that the feud between Opondo and Mao underscores the high stakes involved in securing institutional power and warned that continued personal attacks could alienate potential swing votes. As consultations continue, the public clash between Opondo and Mao signals a potentially contentious path forward for Uganda’s incoming parliament.
