NRM is hope that has become a problem for everyone - Mao

Mao said this while meeting civil society organisations at his office. The latter said they face constant harassment from state agents, Mao promised to look into their grievances.

He then went on to elaborate why the president chose him to steer the tiller of the ministry of Justice and Constitutional ministry.

“My side is known, I am on the side of peace, truth and justice. To many Ugandans, the NRM [National Resistance Movement] is hope that has become a problem for everyone. I am known for starting fires, but I want to put out fires. This country is hurting, we have never seen peaceful transition. It is my expectation that the conversations around presidential transition will heal the hearts of those hurting Ugandans and this conversation is continuing,” Mao said.

Transition and national reconciliation

Mao said the larger transition plan will entail national reconciliation, accountability and social harmonisation.

“The moment of truth is upon us. This is a time for soul searching. We can choose to face the problem or put our heads in the sand. No problem can be solved without facing it and taking responsibility,” Mao said.’

Justice for Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana

Mao said he is already seeking a fair trial for the opposition National Unity Platform legislators, Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana.

“Accepting the responsibility of a minister has put me in a position to take responsibility over the consequences of decisions I was not part of. I have to face the mother Muhammad Ssegirinya because she wants justice for her son. I can only promise her a fair trial,” Mao said.

Most observers agree that Mao has his work cut out for him.