Parliament earlier briefly traded its usual serious tone for celebration on Thursday afternoon when Speaker Anita Annet Among , in her communication marked the birthday of Justice Minister Norbert Mao.
The unexpected moment sparked cheers and light-hearted chatter across the chamber.
While delivering a brief communication to the House, the Speaker surprised members by acknowledging Mao, who was celebrating his birthday on March 12.
“One of us was born on a day like today, and that is none other than my brother Hon. Mao,” Among said with a smile. “Join me in celebrating his birthday today. We wish you the best, a happy birthday and good health.”
Mao appeared amused by the gesture and laughed as he looked toward the Speaker. At the time, he was seated next to Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua and Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka on the front Bench.
Not missing the chance for a playful jab, Speaker Among added a remark that sent the chamber into louder cheers.
“We wish you a good and continued stay in Cabinet in the coming term . May the good Lord keep you,” she said.
Members of Parliament responded in celebration, stamping their feet and banging their seats as smiles spread across the chamber.
The cheerful moment drew attention given the political dynamics between the two leaders. Mao, a veteran politician and leader of the Democratic Party, recently expressed interest in contesting for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament a seat currently held by Among.
Despite the potential political rivalry, the birthday exchange created a rare moment of camaraderie inside the House.
Among is widely expected to retain her seat as Speaker alongside her deputy Thomas Tayebwa when Parliament reconvenes to elect its leadership for the next term in May.
For a brief moment, however, politics took a back seat as the House turned into a chamber of celebration, proving that even in the heat of political competition, friendship prevails.
