Minister Mao urged to foster unity, collaboration with ruling government

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, offered words of support and encouragement to Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao, urging him to work in collaboration with President Museveni’s government.

Tayebwa said this during a homecoming and thanksgiving ceremony at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City, Northern Uganda.

He praised President Museveni as a man of his word and advised Minister Mao to maintain trustworthiness in his dealings with the government. “In the little time I have worked very closely with President Museveni, he is a man who keeps his word. You better keep your word,” Tayebwa noted.

Acknowledging Minister Mao’s role as a visionary leader promoting unity in Uganda, Tayebwa commended his efforts in bridging the gap between the opposition and the ruling government.

He stated, “Functions like these make some of us take heart, where we had doubt saying, ‘Where is the future of our country?’ At least we can see there are people who still believe in a united Uganda, and Chairman Mao, thanks for being the leader of that group.”

The deputy speaker pledged parliamentary support for initiatives aimed at fostering unity among Ugandans. “As Parliament, we pledge that we shall support every endeavor from a legislative perspective [and] from an appropriation perspective, that will bring unity in this country and make all of us work together,” Tayebwa affirmed.

Addressing criticisms about Minister Mao’s collaboration with the ruling government, Tayebwa defended his actions as a service to the country, emphasizing that it is not for the benefit of a few individuals. He encouraged Mao to persevere in his negotiations, stating, “Don’t get tired, my brother, keep negotiating, the country is seeing what you’re doing.”

The NRM Vice Chairman, Hajj Moses Kigongo, who represented President Museveni at the event, expressed the ruling government’s willingness to work with anyone who has Uganda’s best interests at heart. He commended Minister Mao’s efforts in uniting people and encouraged him to continue serving the country.

Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security and the national coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, Gen Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), praised Minister Mao for prioritizing Uganda’s interests over personal achievements. He highlighted the historical partnership between DP and NRM and expressed happiness that Mao is upholding that principle.

Gulu Archdiocese Vicar General, Msgr Mathew Odong, stressed the importance of unity and reconciliation in achieving development in the sub-region. He called on Mao to lead reconciliation efforts in Northern Uganda to foster lasting peace and harmony.

In response, Minister Mao pledged to continue promoting unity and stated his intention to mobilize across Uganda for this purpose. He affirmed, “I’m going to move, mobilizing not only in Acholi but all over Uganda, preaching unity because what we have done is unity for a purpose.”

The event was attended by various politicians, including Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and DP Vice President Mukasa Mbidde, among others.