KAMPALA I URA: The outspoken Democratic Party President and one of the aspirants for the post of Speaker of the 12th Parliament, Nobert Mao, says he is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the country.
Speaking to a meeting mainly comprising leaders from Acholi at Hotel African in Kampala, Nobert Mao described his shot at the post of Speaker of Parliament as a “very, very tough struggle.”
Flanked by his wife, Beatrice Mao, who was clad in green, Mao wore a suit with mixed colors, including a yellow tie. When he ascended to the podium, Chairman Mao, as he is commonly known, warned of personal risk, emotional strain, and what they characterize as a defining moment for Uganda’s future.
Speaking in a deeply emotional address, the speaker said the effort they are leading has already required personal sacrifice and could become even more demanding in the months ahead.
“It is going to be very, in fact, I need a lot of prayers. It is not going to be easy. It is going to be very, very tough,” Mao said.
He added that he sometimes reflects on the personal toll of the role he has assumed to take on the current speaker of Parliament, though he did not mention her name throughout the address, which was punctuated by a person interpreting in the Acholi language.
“Sometimes I pray, and I say, God, I wish you could find a way of sparing me so that I also observe from a distance. A lot of sacrifice and personal risk,” he said.
Mao emphasized that his involvement had already come at a cost, stating that he had taken on that mantle voluntarily.
“It is a lot of sacrifice. First of all, I’ve already sacrificed by leading this fight, which I’m leading,” he said. He suggested that many others were unwilling to take on the same responsibility.
“Because out of all the millions of Ugandans, nobody had the courage that I’ve shown to face this monster.”
He addressed concerns about personal safety, acknowledging vulnerability. “A bullet can penetrate my body and kill me also.” He then made allegations involving criminal and ritual activity, stating that security agencies are investigating the claims.
“I hear they are doing child sacrifice. We have even seen photographs. The matters are being investigated by top security agents. We are hearing of witch doctors imported from neighbouring countries.” Said Mao.
He e did, however, not provide evidence about which of the state security agencies were investigating the matters and how far they had reached.
Using the analogy of the “Good Samaritan’ in the Bible, Mao used it to justify his intention to contest against outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among their actions. “I’m in the position of that Good Samaritan,” he said.
Nobert Mao, known for his oratory language, contrasted those who avoid danger with those who intervene in difficult situations.
“The other cowards asked one question. This is a dangerous part of the road. What will happen to me if I stop here to help?” By contrast, he said this reasoning is focused on consequences for others rather than personal safety.
“But this is the question the Samaritan asked. What will happen to this man who is bleeding to death if I don’t stop?” He said he feared political retaliation from his political opponents, whom he carefully avoided mentioning.
Mao states that his opponent could be more resourced financially and that others with greater resources and expertise are reluctant to act due to fear.
“There are people with more money than I. People with more experience than I. Even those who know the law more than I,” he said.
However, he argued that hesitation is driven by concern over personal consequences. “They’re asking the question of the Pharisees. That lady is so powerful. What will she do to me if I dare?” He called for collective effort and long-term political engagement, describing the current moment as a turning point.
“So Uganda is at a defining moment today. So we need to join hands for the next five years.”
Mao urged supporters to focus on practical outcomes rather than complex debate. “Don’t complicate it with philosophy, policies.”
