Norbert Mao, Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has long been known for his unscripted, impassioned speeches.
But his tendency to speak “from the heart” has reportedly caused tension within the government, leading his Personal Assistant (PA), Mariam Zandya, to request a transfer.
Zandya, tasked with researching and preparing speeches for Mao, found herself in a difficult position as her boss consistently disregarded her work.
Mao, who proudly avoids written speeches, often veers into anti-government rhetoric, criticizing issues like human rights violations and torture—topics that make his fellow Cabinet Ministers and President Museveni uncomfortable.
A Minister at Odds with His Role
Mao’s outspoken nature has been a double-edged sword. While he entered Museveni’s Cabinet with promises of pushing for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Constitutional Review Commission, these initiatives were swiftly dismissed by the President due to “lack of funds.”
This left Mao disillusioned, yet he continued to use his platform to critique the government he serves.
His unscripted remarks have repeatedly embarrassed the NRM regime.
For instance, while Attorney General Kiwanuka Kiryowa defended Uganda’s human rights record at an East African Community (EAC) forum, Mao was in Kampala criticizing the same government at a Chapter Four event.
His live-streamed comments were used by attendees at the EAC forum to counter Kiryowa’s claims, creating an awkward moment for the Ugandan delegation.
Pressure Mounts on the PA
As Mao’s criticisms grew louder, so did the pressure on Zandya.
Supervisors within and outside the Justice Ministry questioned her ability to guide and advise the Minister. They demanded to know why she wasn’t curbing Mao’s controversial remarks.
Zandya defended herself, explaining that Mao consistently ignored prepared speeches, preferring to speak off-the-cuff.
Despite her efforts to advise him on the political risks of his unscripted critiques, Mao remained unyielding. Frustrated and unable to fulfill her role effectively, Zandya requested a transfer.
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Behind the Scenes is a Challenging Work Environment
Zandya’s decision wasn’t solely based on Mao’s disregard for her work. Sources reveal that she also faced alleged mistreatment from Mao’s wife, Beatrice Kayanja.
Kayanja, who frequently visits the Ministry, reportedly demands that staff stand as a sign of respect when she enters. Those who refuse are reprimanded and reminded that she could one day be Uganda’s “First Lady.”
This dynamic, coupled with Mao’s refusal to tone down his criticisms, created an untenable situation for Zandya. She has since been reassigned, and Mao has taken on a new PA.
Can Mao Balance Criticism and Governance?
Mao’s outspoken nature has made him a polarizing figure within the government.
While some admire his courage to speak truth to power, others question the appropriateness of a Cabinet Minister publicly criticizing the administration he serves.
