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Tag: Norbert Mao

  • An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Gen.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa

    An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Gen.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa

    Dear President Museveni,

    Why Mao is best Civilian Commander to lead war on ‘adui’ Corruption in Parliament Your Excellency, The African proverb attributed to the Acholi people speaks profound truth: “What an elder sees while sitting down, the Bazakullu may not see, even if standing on the tallest tree.”

    Your Excellency, you are that elder whose vision, sharpened by decades of struggle, governance, and nation-building, sees what others may not see, even if you sit down under a tree. As the contest for Speaker unfolds, Ugandans are watching with keen interest because the choice of Speaker will define the character of our legislative branch.

    Your Excellency, you have ability to read the moment, to understand what Uganda needs at this critical juncture for national interest rather than political convenience. This is the moment to invoke your wisdom of elder ‘sitting down Vs those standing’ in this Speakership race.

    The Flower Ugandan Voters DeserveFlowers represent the beautiful, the valuable, the cherished. When we say “give someone their flowers,” we mean: recognize their worth, honor their value, appreciate their contribution while they can still see it. Your Excellency, Ugandans are asking you to give them their flower in the form of a competent, unifying parliamentary leadership.

    That flower is Rt. Hon. Norbert Mao. Mao represents rarity in contemporary politics: a leader who has evolved from opposition stalwart to constructive partner without losing his principles or his integrity. He also believes in building bridges, not walls across the political spectrum.

    Your Excellency, you have always prioritized merit over mediocrity. In supporting Mao’s candidature for Speaker, you are gifting Ugandans their flower of leadership that can heal rather than divide, unite rather than fragment, fight ‘adui’ corruption like you warned in Kyankwanzi.

    A Gift That Reflects Your Legacy

    Your Excellency, your legacy is not only the years served, but also the institutions you have built and strengthened. This required not only your personal leadership but also your ability to identify and empower capable leaders throughout government arms.

    By supporting Mao, you will be demonstrating once again that national interest can prevail over factional loyalty.

    Strategic Wisdom of Choice, Maturing Democracy

    Your Excellency, you are a strategic thinker par excellence. With Mao’s opposition and cabinet experience, he can invaluably facilitate the relationship between Executive and Legislature while maintaining Parliament’s constitutional independence productively. He understands the perspectives and pressures of both sides. This unique positioning makes him ideally suited as the Flower you should give Ugandans. Furthermore, Your Excellency, Uganda’s international community partners are watching the race closely in the diplomatic space.

    A Speaker who is a legal asset-both in knowing the law and its application as an advocate with demonstrated commitment to democratic principles enhances Uganda’s standing globally.

    This matters for foreign investment, development partnerships, regional and international influence since he is not travel sanctioned, not marred by corruption allegations.

    Mao’s election as Speaker, particularly with your support, would send powerful signals: Uganda’s democracy has matured; the nation is committed to inclusive governance, institutions matter more than individuals, the winner-NRM didn’t take it all.

    Your excellency, In Kenya, Zambia, Rt. Hon.Wetangula, Rt.Hon.Butete Kashumba respectively don’t have majority MPs of their political parties in Parliament but due to national interest, individual competence, balanced boat, they became Speakers in those Countries. If not, why not in Uganda for DP’s Mao?

    The Unity Imperative

    Your Excellency, you recognized Mao’s unique quality during his swearing-in as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in 2022, you alluded that Mao is “a different logic.” You were prophetic. Indeed, he is a different logic, different in his integrity, commitment to principle over convenience, different in his capacity to build bridges-not walls. That “different logic” is exactly what Parliament needs-Mao as Speaker and chief fixer to fight ‘adui’ corruption that only visits, dines in other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) but goes back to sleep at its headquarters in Parliament. Sad, isn’t it? Your body language, I watched on TV during your Kyankwanzi anti-corruption rhetoric seemed eager to crack a fat whip! It indirectly influenced the Kyankwanzi spirit to reject a Speakership candidate who is allegedly involved in corruption.

    Norbert Mao represents this kind of model of unity. His political journey demonstrates that evolution is possible, that former opponents can become partners, that national interest can transcend partisan identity. The People/Ugandan Voters Have SpokenYour Excellency, in every online voting mechanism testing the waters for this Speakership race, Mao won by wide margins. This is not coincidental, it is the voice of your same 2026 bazzakulu voters + others who gave you over 71% .

    Why this trend?

    Because you and Mao have a political connection; from the DP-NRM Cooperation agreement to Mao’s unprecedented backing of your 2025/6 Presidential race following our DP’s NEC resolution-not to field a Presidential candidate. Your excellency, your wisdom as elder has converged with that of the Bazzakullu on same choice-Mao. This is the kind of generational harmony that builds nations by validating their voices, and demonstrating that their opinions matter.

    A Gift to Democracy

    Your Excellency, Uganda’s democratic journey has not always been smooth but the nation has made steady progress toward more inclusive, accountable governance. The choice of Speaker is an opportunity to advance this democratic narrative. By supporting someone with Mao’s credentials of legal expertise-knowing the law and practicing it as an advocate, commitment to fighting adui called corruption, you are restoring reputation and diminished public trust in Parliament.

    The Moment and The Man

    Your Excellency, in politics, timing matters. There are moments when the right leader emerges for the right position at the right time. This is such a moment, and Norbert Mao is such a leader. God just gave you a free gift, a civilian Commander to fight ‘adui’ called corruption in Parliament. Mao’s political experience from High school head boy to Guild President, Parliamentarian, Local Government Chairman-V Gulu and Civil society like Armani Peace Forum with zero corruption stench demonstrates his capacity will enhance Uganda’s democratic credentials domestically and internationally.

    The Request and The Responsibility

    Your Excellency, I write this open letter not as a partisan but a concerned Ugandan who cares deeply about our nation’s institutions and the future. Many Ugandans share this concern. We watch the speakership race with hope that merit and competence will triumph, that national interest prevails. We the Bazzakullus on the tallest tree are asking you who is sitting down, to use your wisdom to ensure Parliament chooses wisely, not because we doubt MPs’ judgment, but because your voice carries weight with a demonstrated commitment to Uganda’s future.

    The Gift That Keeps Giving

    Your Excellency, when you gift Ugandans Mao as their Rt.Hon. Speaker, you are demonstrating that political evolution is possible, that former adversaries can become partners-through cooperation or coalition showing future generations that mature politics prioritizes national interest over factional advantage.You are contributing to the kind of political culture Uganda needs if it is to achieve its Vision 2040 aspirations.The Closing AppealYour Excellency, history has placed you in a position of extraordinary influence attached to responsibility. Ugandans are watching, praying that you to give them their flower-not a flower of political convenience or partisan calculation, but a flower of triumphant competence, unity and integrity.

    Your Excellency, gift us the Bazzakullu our flower, free of corruption stench! Gift us Ugandans, our flower of hope that, competence can triumph over mediocrity.

    Gift us our flower- a Civilian commander to fight ‘adui’ of corruption in Parliament.Gift us our flower Norbert Mao as Rt. Hon. Speaker of 12th Parliament.

    Sincerely, with deepest respect and hope for Uganda’s future, By:Tuku-Neko Ogena Bese, Civil & Environmental Engineer, PRINCE2® Agile, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M, MBA | National Executive Committee (NEC) Member | National Secretary for Workers, Entrepreneurs & Informal Sectors. Email: tuku.neko.ob@gmail.com

    TUKU- NEKO
  • Mao ponders quitting, tells M7: Let judges do their work without political interference

    Mao ponders quitting, tells M7: Let judges do their work without political interference

    Justice Minister Norbert Mao has demanded for the immediate reinstatement of Justice Faridah Bukirwa on the bench as a High Court Judge because as far as available facts show, there is nothing wrong she did.

    He didn’t directly mention Bukirwa’s name but matters he referred to directly relate to her which left the audience with no option but to conclude is the unfairly treated female Judge he was referring to.

    As Jinja Resident Judge, Justice Bukirwa entertained petitioners who were complaining about Shaban Mubajje’s suitability and continued staying on as the Mufti of Uganda and head of UMSC at a time majority Muslims considered him unfit for failing to protect Muslim property.

    Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice

    The same Bukirwa, who was recently praised by the public, Court users and lawyers during an open day baraza meeting the Judiciary leadership had organised in Jinja City, also had Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga complaining about her to the President, claiming she was too complicated and unwilling to respect or recognise political authority in Busoga sub region.

    A matter involving a manager at Kadaga’s Hotel in Kamuli had been locked up and put on trial in the Magistrates Court for allegedly embezzling and failing to account for money in millions. Kadaga became aggrieved and sought to use the Judicial system to have him punished. The Magistrate in Kamuli had been cajoled to keep the manager locked up on remand. The matter came to Jinja High Court by way of appeal and by some fate, it ended up being presided over by Justice Faridah Bukirwa.

    Having heard out all the parties and reviewed what had transpired in the lower court, Justice Bukirwa granted the manager bail and also caused his private vehicle (which had been confiscated by Police in order to enforce recovery of Kadag’s money) returned to the manager.
    Naturally, this angered Kadaga who protestingly reported the matter to the President.

    In the end, the President who had already been approached by Old Kampala Muslim leaders (angry over the anti-Mubajje ruling) decided to fix Faridah Bukirwa politically by omitting her name off the list of 16 Acting Judges who the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had sent to him recommending them for confirmation for the substantive office of High Court Judge. Gratefully, the JSC to which the President referred all the complaints against the Jinja Judge, has since written its report clearing Bukirwa on especially the Kadaga saga.

    MAO SPEAKS OUT:
    Speaking at Speke Resort Munyonyo where he presided over the JLOS Annual Review Workshop on Tuesday, Mao pronounced himself on such interference and other matters. He said he had become frustrated because of too much interference by NRM politicians into the affairs of Judges and the Judicial decisions they render; adding that he is considering abdicating his duties and find a better way to impact society while fighting injustices in favor of the poor, the weak and vulnerable who often get ill-treated largely because they have no godfathers in government.

    He clarified that he has realised it’s harder to use government Cabinet positions to get things done than he thought before becoming Justice Minister barely three years ago.

    He said he is seriously considering leaving the Cabinet job and instead become a Pastor, a role he claimed he can excel at since it doesn’t require much qualifications. He said he would ordinarily prefer to become a Catholic priest but the Church doctrines and practices might be used to lock him out on grounds that he is too old now to enrol in a Seminary.

    Speaking more specifically, the Minister referred to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja as one of the NRM politicians who have used their political positions to interfere and seek to influence Judicial decisions and the work of Judges and other Judicial officers. He recalled the day Nabbanja stormed Mwanga II Road Court in Mengo and took over office, dramatically sitting in the Magistrates chair simply because she had been discomfortded by a Magistrate’s decision.

    Mao said the right way, which President must require all his Ministers to follow, is to use Courts of higher jurisdiction to appeal against such decisions which they consider anomalous or hostile to their interests.

    Mao also said that, inspired by the example of Nabbanja who he recently stopped from raiding a Court in Masaka simply because she had been approached by a poor old lady (judgment debtor) who had been aggrieved by a Judge’s decision, RDCs these can boldly block the implementation of Court decisions including those aimed at enforcing protection of wetlands by NEMA.

    Lady Justice Faridah Bukirwa

    Mao then came to the issue of Justice Faridah Bukirwa who a few months ago was ousted after the President received petitions against her (conduct of business at the Court) from his political supporters and cronies. Mao said from what he knows and facts he now has, Justice Bukirwa did nothing wrong because Judges are mandated to form opinions based on facts and arguments put before them by litigants.

    “A judgment is an opinion of the Judge having listened to all the parties involved and evaluated their evidence. That exactly is what Judges are employed to do-forming opinions on matters brought before them. How then do we punish a Judicial officer simply because she has given her opinion on a dispute after evaluating evidence before him or her? An opinion can be right or wrong and in our case, if you are aggrieved and consider a given Judge’s opinion wrong, you appeal and that’s the essence of having the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. That’s what you do as opposed to writing a letter to the President simply because you are a Cabinet Minister with access to the President,” said Mao.

    He maintained that in as far as he is concerned, there is nothing wrong or inappropriate Justice Bukirwa did while preceding over cases in Jinja. He suggested that Bukirwa be reinstated as the President adapts the better way which is advising such political cadres of his, who write to him letters on being discomforted by a given Judge’s decision, to always utilise the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court as opposed to inciting him to politically intervene.

    Mao’s comments come moments after the JSC exonerated Bukirwa on the claims that had been levelled against her by Rebecca Kadaga who didn’t like her rulings in matters involving the estranged manager of her Hotel in Kamuli. Mao said that in a country where Judicial officers anomalously choose to become timid while trying to deliver decisions calculated to appease those they believe can influence their future promotion, strict adherents to the law (as is) like Faridah Bukirwa ought to be commended and celebrated as opposed to being condemned, harangued, castigated and purged.

    He said that even through the JSC inquiry and investigations, no wrongdoing or inappropriate conduct has been proved or established against Justice Bukirwa whose prudent performance of duties was unanimously attested to by lawyers and Court users during the Court open day baraza in Jinja recently.

    At that baraza session in Jinja, the court users faulted the decision to oust as opposed to confirming Justice Bukirwa into the bench role. This showed the extent to which the public, court users and lawyers took note and appreciated the efficiency with which she went about her duties as the area Judge for the two years she was the Jinja Resident Judge.

  • URSB launches Mass business registration campaign to drive formalization

    URSB launches Mass business registration campaign to drive formalization

    Kampala: Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), the national business registry, has this morning launched its mass business registration campaign aimed at promoting formalization among entrepreneurs and small business owners.

    This initiative seeks to simplify the registration process, raise awareness about the benefits of formalization, and drive economic growth. Dubbed “kiri easy, formalize today”, the initiative targets registering an additional 873,546 businesses by 2026/27.

    Formalization plays a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of businesses. By registering their firms, and complying with legal and regulatory frameworks, businesses gain legal protection, access to financial services, and opportunities for growth. URSB’s mass business registration campaign aims to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners to transition from the informal to the formal sector.

    Through streamlined procedures and targeted outreach efforts, this campaign will make the registration process more accessible and attractive to entrepreneurs. Leveraging technology and a user-friendly platform, the kiri easy campaign provides comprehensive support and guidance, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for entrepreneurs. By simplifying the process, the campaign will increase reach of registration and encourage more businesses to formalize their operations.
    The minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao who was the keynote speaker said that by fulfilling its role in formalizing Uganda’s economy, URSB contributes to several key outcomes. “This initiative, which we are launching today, represents high expectations in our ongoing efforts to bolster economic growth, stimulate entrepreneurship, and enhance the ease of doing business in Uganda”
    The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, said formalization encourages economic growth by attracting investments, stimulating entrepreneurship, and creating employment opportunities.

    “This mass business registration initiative represents a positive step forward in our quest to make Uganda a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic prosperity. I am confident that it will unleash the untapped potential of our nation’s business community, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the livelihoods of our people” he said.
    Ambassador Francis K. Butagira, the Board Chairman said URSB continues to create awareness about the benefits of business registration to enhance the country’s competitiveness and drive private sector growth. “URSB will deploy tested means of mobilization of masses to embrace business registration. These involve camping in hard to reach business centers, or any other area where our physical office may not be able to provide the required registration support service”.

    “Formalization is a critical step towards building a thriving business ecosystem,” said Mercy K. Kainobwisho, the Registrar General. “Our mass business registration campaign is designed to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support to formalize their operations. By doing so, we aim to drive economic growth, enhance legal protection, and promote social and financial inclusion.”

    The benefits of formalization extend beyond individual businesses. Formalized businesses contribute to increased tax revenues, improved business environments, and reduced informality. They create employment opportunities, attract investments, and stimulate overall economic development.
    URSB is planning countrywide business registration clinics across the country in a bid to encourage entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises to formalize their businesses and take advantage of the benefits of formalization. By registering their businesses, they can unlock opportunities for growth, access financial services, and contribute to the formal economy.

  • Justice Minister praises URSB for enhancing formalization of Uganda’s economy

    Justice Minister praises URSB for enhancing formalization of Uganda’s economy

    Kampala; The vital work of enhancing business registrations and reduction of the informality by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has been praised by Norbert Mao, the Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs.

    The minister made the remarks yesterday during the Board and Management teams’ visit to update the minister about URSB’s strategic plans, key achievements, updated and reformed laws and plans for the future.

    The delegation was led by Board Chairman, Ambassador Francis Butagira and Registrar General, Mercy K. Kainobwisho.

    Latest statistics show that 34,044 new companies and 53,180 business names were registered between December 2020 to September 2022, alongside 98,541 legal documents and 41,536 certifications.

    3,311 local trademark applications were registered, while 2,752 civil marriages were recorded among other key registrations.

    Hon.Norbert Mao, Justice & Constitutional Affairs Minister receives a compendium of laws from Amb.Francis Butagira, URSB Board Chair. Looking on is Mercy K. Kainobwisho, Registrar General

    Speaking to the URSB team, Hon. Norbert Mao said he was impressed with URSB’s strides in supporting formalization of the economy through reliable registration services.

    ‘I applaud URSB for improving the business environment, making Uganda an attractive business destination and a catalyst for investment. I am aware you have made the processes and access to registration services easier’ the minister added. He added that URSB’s contribution on reforms and amendments made in line with the anti-money laundering laws which were passed by parliament and assented to by His Excellency the President had saved the country from being blacklisted.

    He noted that with full implementation of the laws now taking place, companies will enjoy improved registration services which will also ease the entry and exit of companies due to the created business environment.

    In turn, Ambassador Francis Butagira, the Board Chairman, stressed that URSB had adopted a futuristic strategic plan that prioritized innovation and creativity in services delivery that would maintain the vision of being the centre of excellence for registration services. He noted that the administrative ambition today is based on providing government services that meet the aspirations and keep tone with the government’s vision about improving the services of the public sector.‘

    Our priority is to pursue initiatives through multi-faceted engagements to ensure we remain on course to increase formalization, enhance competitiveness through protection of intellectual property rights, stabilize family unions with easy marriage registrations while stewarding restructuring of entities by offering fast insolvency services. Our chattels registry has also been positioned to uplift usage of movable property as collateral for borrowing’ Ambassador Butagira told the minister.

    The Registrar General briefed the minister about URSB’s key achievements including growth in non-tax revenue (NTR), decentralization of services and enhancement of sensitization to create awareness. URSB registered the highest ever NTR collection in a financial year, in 2021/2022, collecting UGX 57.04 billion, posting a surplus of 11.47 billion and growth of 40.8%.

    ‘From December 2020 to September 2022, URSB mobilized total NTR of Ugx 87.42 billion against a target of Ugx 81.68 billion, posting a surplus of Ugx. 5.74 billion’. Our all-digital, all-online strategy has enhanced service quality standards, bolstered services delivery and increased access to registration services’, Kainobwisho said.

    URSB continues to make commendable contribution towards facilitating private and public sector development by enhancing easier, faster and timely registration services. Formalization of the economy is vital in increasing the tax base and supporting innovation while creating employment.

  • Treat Norbert Mao’s latest political decision with fairness

    Treat Norbert Mao’s latest political decision with fairness

    By Frank M.Gashumba.

    Sisimuka Uganda

    For all those who are attacking and bashing Chairman Norbert Mao when he stood in the 2021 General elections for President, did you vote him? Or have you ever contributed to the activities of the Democratic Party? If your answer is no, please shut up. If you haven’t directly contributed to someone’s well-being, you absolutely have no right to challenge the outcome.

    When Dr. Kizza in Besigye is on street demonstrating, you enjoy watching him being beaten but can’t join him. When you see Gen. Muntu speaking, you heap praises on him stating how he is an exceptional leader that Uganda needs, but you neither join his party nor vote for him.

    The Ugandan population is so disappointing and for the elites, it is worse. You want someone else to fight for you but you don’t want to join the fight or get your own hands dirty in the process. If that isn’t the most bogus thing, then I don’t know what is. You want a good country but you don’t want to take a risk, you think someone else is licensed to take a risk for you. what a delusion!
    In such a deceptive country, who then has the right to cast the first stone against Mao?

    SISIMUKA UGANDA-TERI KULINDA KULALA.
    Changing Mindsets, Creating Self belief, Transforming lives and Communities.

    #Abavandimwe
    #TeamSimba
    #sisimukauganda

  • Nobert Mao, Peter Ogwang in new cabinet appointments

    Nobert Mao, Peter Ogwang in new cabinet appointments

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today appointed new cabinet ministers to fill the vacant posts.
    Democratic Party Chairman Hon. Norbert Mao is the biggest winner  and a day signing an understanding with NRM government, he is already a minister.
    He has been appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Hamson Obua has been appointed Government Chief Whip, Hon. Akello Beatrice Akori has been appointed State Minister for Economic Monitoring Office of the President replacing Hon. Peter Ogwang who has been appointed Minister of State for Education and Sports.
    Hon. Peter Ogwang has been moved to Education

    “By virtue of the authority conferred on the President by Articles 113(1) and 114 (1) of the 1995 constitution of the Republic of Uganda, I hereby appoint persons below as Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State,” A president’s statement read.

  • Amama Mbabazi launches his Manifesto

    Amama Mbabazi launches his Manifesto

    Presidential candidate and Former Prime Minister, Hon. John Patrick Amama Mbabazi yesterday launched his manifesto for his bid for Presidency in next year’s presidential elections.

    Amama Mbabazi (C) with his daughter and Norbert Mao at Serena on Sunday

    Amama Mbabazi (C) with his daughter and Norbert Mao at Serena on Sunday

    The Go Forward manifesto was launched at a colourful event held at Victoria Hall, Kampala Serena Hotel.

    The launch was graced by several delegations from across the country as well as TDA members including traditional institutions, business communities, religions, Civil Society, academia and many others.

    In the manifesto, Mbabazi highlighted issues in several sectors that he promised to work on once he takes over the number one office in the country.

    Among the issues is creating jobs of which he promised to create more than 444,000 jobs, build hospital in every sub county and restoring presidential term limit.

    You can access Go Forward’s full manifesto by clicking here : http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/290703210/Go-Forward-Manifesto-Final-PDF