The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has officially thrown its weight behind Norbert Mao in the race for Speaker of Parliament, while simultaneously directing its nationwide structures to mobilize for the upcoming Local Council elections.

Speaking at a press conference at Uganda House in Kampala on March 4, UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach Oyat confirmed that UPC stands firmly behind Mao.

“When the president speaks, I’m very small. So if the president has said that the party is backing Honorable Norbert Mao, it is the position of the party,” she said.

Her remarks signal a unified position within the party leadership as political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the parliamentary leadership contest.

Responding to claims that UPC’s influence is largely confined to northern Uganda, Oyat dismissed the criticism, insisting that the party maintains active structures nationwide.

“We are on ground across the country. The question is whether they will be elected or not, but they will be on the ballot,” she said.

She noted that UPC leadership has already issued guidelines to grassroots structures to begin identifying credible flag-bearers for the LC1, LC2 and Women Council elections slated for March and April.

Reading from an internal circular issued on February 26 by Secretary General Fred Ebil, Oyat urged party leaders across the country to prioritize consensus in selecting candidates.

“Identify potential candidates to carry the UPC flag. You are highly encouraged to consider using the consensus method while selecting party flag-bearers,” she said, noting that consensus had previously proven effective in managing internal party elections.

However, she clarified that where consensus fails, branch chairpersons should convene a general meeting of party members in line with Article 7(2) of the 2008 UPC Constitution. In situations where the chairperson is also a candidate, the vice-chairperson will preside over the process.

As Uganda prepares to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, Oyat condemn what she described as the persistent harassment of female street vendors by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and security personnel.

“Ninety percent of the people selling on the streets, especially in the evening, are mothers. When KCCA officials come, they take over their goods,” she said.

She urged women holding positions of authority, including the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister, to stand up for vulnerable women struggling to earn a living.

“As we celebrate Women’s Day, we are asking government: Are we protecting the livelihoods of these women? Are we protecting their dignity?” she asked.

Oyat added that the commemoration should serve as a reminder that many Ugandan women remain economically vulnerable despite years of advocacy for gender equality.