“Museveni has been speaking about democracy, but where is that democracy he speaks of if he can't tolerate those who criticise his government? What is happening in villages undermines the same democracy he talks about,” Ssenyonyi said.
The competition aims to encourage every Ugandan to confidently sing the National Anthem while promoting the use of Kiswahili and increasing appreciation of the East African Community anthem as Uganda advances regional integration.
Kiirya said the continued reports of abductions, arbitrary detention, and public humiliation of citizens threaten the rule of law and erode public trust in state institutions.
“The agreement we have is fundamental. We have been faithful to our part of the agreement. That is the reason why the president invited me to try first,” Mao said.
“We have been complaining about how bad those fronted by other parties are. Today, we have decided to front our own, the holy one, to represent the opposition in the forthcoming speakership race. I implore all opposition members of Parliament to rally behind our candidate,” Ssenyonyi said.
Dumba further argued that the agreement was never approved by DP’s top organs, including the National Executive Committee, National Council, or party delegates, insisting that it remained a personal arrangement rather than a formal party pact.
As Nelson Mandela observed, nations can choose between conflict and cooperation. Increasingly, countries are choosing negotiation, reconciliation, and coalition-building. These require political maturity, for instance, a clear ideology, internal democracy, and a willingness to compromise without losing identity.
Mao framed his bid for Speaker as part of a broader mission to reform Parliament, which he said needs urgent fixing, particularly in tackling corruption and restoring public trust in the legislature.