In what has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is set to host newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) for a week-long retreat at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, beginning on April 7, 2026.
The retreat, scheduled to run until April 15, aims to orient the MPs on the party’s ideology and governance agenda, but it has taken a dramatic turn with the unexpected invitation of Norbert Mao, a key opposition figure and Minister of Justice.
At a press conference held at the NRM party headquarters, Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong outlined the event details, stating that the retreat would bring together newly elected NRM MPs, returning legislators, and independent MPs who are willing to collaborate with the party. The gathering is intended to foster a better understanding of the party’s direction and priorities for the nation’s development.
Todwong confirmed that accreditation and COVID-19 testing for all participants would take place on April 6 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala before the MPs depart for Kyankwanzi on the following day. The Secretary General emphasized that this retreat is a long-standing tradition within the party, one that helps MPs bond and develop a clear understanding of national priorities, especially for those who are new to the legislative process.
“The retreat serves as a vital opportunity for our MPs to align with the NRM’s ideology and vision. It’s also a space for dialogue and bonding with senior party officials, including members of the NRM Central Executive Committee and cabinet ministers who are also MPs,” Todwong explained.
One of the key surprises of this year’s retreat is the inclusion of opposition figures, especially Norbert Mao, the newly elected MP for Laro-Pece and President General of the Democratic Party (DP). Mao’s invitation is significant, considering his recent shift toward collaborating with NRM through a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Mao, who also serves as Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, is one of the opposition leaders who signed a working MoU with President Museveni’s NRM.
This agreement has seen Mao appointed to the Cabinet, marking a significant shift in Uganda’s political dynamics. In addition, DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda was rewarded with a position in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) as a Ugandan representative, further solidifying the DP-NRM alliance.
Todwong, in his address, explained that Mao’s participation in the Kyankwanzi retreat was essential due to his dual role as both an MP and a cabinet minister. He also noted that the invitation extended to Mao was in line with NRM’s broader efforts to engage independent MPs and opposition figures who have shown a willingness to cooperate with the government.
“Hon. Norbert Mao is a member of the Cabinet of Uganda and a newly elected member of Parliament. He has not expressed any intention of not working with NRM. He is one of the independents we have invited to Kyankwanzi,” Todwong remarked.
While the invitation to Mao has been welcomed by some, it has sparked tension within the ranks of the NRM, particularly for those loyal to Speaker Anita Among. Among, who is vying for re-election as Speaker of Parliament in the 12th Parliament, faces resistance from various factions within her own party.
Her bid for the speakership has become increasingly controversial, as some within NRM believe that her tenure has been less than stellar, while others cite sanctions imposed on her by Western countries as a key issue.
As Speaker of Parliament, Among is reportedly grounded by these sanctions, limiting her ability to travel freely. This presents a significant challenge for her candidacy, particularly when it comes to high-level diplomatic engagements, as she can only travel to the Vatican to meet with the Pope but is barred from visiting the UK or the US.
The prospect of a global leadership role such as Speaker requires the ability to represent Uganda effectively on the international stage, and Among’s current restrictions may diminish her ability to fulfill that role.
The growing tension within the NRM, and particularly between Among and Mao, has become a focal point in Uganda’s political discourse. Political analysts suggest that Mao’s invitation to the Kyankwanzi retreat could serve as a platform for him to galvanize support for his own bid for Speaker, as he positions himself as a strong alternative to Among.
Mao’s presence at the retreat, speaking to MPs and independent legislators, could give him the chance to frame himself as a unifying figure who can bridge the gap between the opposition and the NRM, potentially weakening Among’s hold on the speakership.
“Mao’s participation in Kyankwanzi is significant not only for his role in the Cabinet but also for the strategic positioning of his speakership bid,” noted one political observer.
“This could be an opportunity for him to increase his political visibility and push his agenda with the support of those who feel sidelined by Among’s leadership.”
Political insiders have hinted that some members of the NRM are quietly backing Mao’s candidacy for Speaker, citing his collaborative approach with the NRM government. This alliance, though controversial in opposition circles, has positioned Mao as an emerging force who could challenge Among’s leadership in Parliament.
Another factor complicating Among’s speakership bid is the growing discontent within the NRM ranks. While she has managed to maintain a degree of influence, her leadership has faced internal scrutiny, with several MPs reportedly questioning her effectiveness.
The upcoming retreat in Kyankwanzi, where both Mao and Among will likely be present, will provide an opportunity for these competing factions to test their strength and solidify their positions.
Despite the political turbulence, the NRM remains determined to use the retreat as a platform for unifying its ranks and preparing for the challenges ahead.
The retreat will provide newly elected MPs with an opportunity to engage with their colleagues, hear from senior party officials, and better understand the party’s governance agenda for the next term.
The invitation to opposition figures, including Mao, also reflects NRM’s desire to engage with MPs beyond its immediate party structure.
With independent MPs showing a willingness to cooperate with the government, the party is positioning itself to build a more inclusive coalition in Parliament.
As the retreat draws near, all eyes will be on Kyankwanzi to see how these internal political dynamics unfold. Will Mao use this opportunity to strengthen his speakership bid, or will Anita Among manage to hold onto her position amid growing challenges? Only time will tell as Uganda’s political landscape shifts once again.
