Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has officially launched his bid to become Member of Parliament for Laroo-Pece Division in a dramatic political move that has shaken both the Democratic Party and its uneasy alliance with the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Mao declared that his decision to join the race was made on the instructions of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni relayed through NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong. He further revealed that the President has long been aware of his political plans insisting that the arrangement was conceived much earlier than recent speculation suggests.
Addressing DP leaders from the Acholi sub region during the launch held on Obia Island Mao warned of growing internal friction between DP and NRM supporters describing the situation as unnecessary small wars and friendly fire.
He noted that under the spirit of cooperation between DP and NRM there should not have been parallel candidates in the same constituencies.
Ideally where there is a DP candidate there should not have been an NRM candidate and where there is an NRM candidate there should not have been a DP candidate he stated.
Mao now faces a packed and highly competitive field including incumbent Rev Father Charles Onen NRM flag bearer Tonny Kitara Simon Opoka who recently defected from DP to UPC Caesar Lubangakene of the National Unity Platform and Godfrey Ochola of the Forum for Democratic Change.
The campaign launch turned into a family driven show of strength as Mao was accompanied by his wife Beatric Mao who is also seeking the position of Gulu City Lord Mayor. Beatric passionately appealed to voters to rally behind her husband praising his competence and commitment to public service.
My husband Hon Norbert Mao is seeking your support in the upcoming election. He is committed to serving the community and working tirelessly to address the challenges this region and the entire country is facing. We believe in his potential and ability to deliver she told supporters.