Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has turned to his supporters for financial backing as he prepares to defend his parliamentary victory in court, opening a new chapter in an emerging legal and political contest in Gulu City.
In a message posted on his official X account, the Democratic Party president general appealed for contributions through a structure known as “Friends of Mao Club Ltd,” framing the case as part of a wider political struggle.
He urged his allies to stand with him, saying he is fighting battles on “many fronts,” though he did not elaborate on some aspects of the appeal.
The fundraising drive comes as Mao faces an election petition filed by Tony Kitara, who contested for the Pece-Laroo Division parliamentary seat under the ruling NRM party.
Kitara challenged the outcome of the January 15 polls, in which the Electoral Commission declared Mao the winner with 7,359 votes, while Kitara came third with 2,867.
The legal process has already seen key developments. Kitara’s lawyers, led by Caleb Alaka and Evans Ochieng, successfully applied for more time to serve Mao with court documents after initial attempts failed.
In a ruling delivered on April 20, Resident Judge Philip Odoki granted the request and allowed substituted service through newspaper publication.
Following the court’s directive, Mao, through his legal team headed by Francis Gimara, filed his defence on April 21. The Electoral Commission also submitted its response a day later, setting the stage for the next phase of proceedings.
Gimara confirmed that Mao had responded to the petition but declined to disclose details, noting that the matter is now before court. The case file is expected to be forwarded to the Principal Judge, who will assign a trial judge and schedule a mention date.
Mao’s appeal for financial support has, however, triggered mixed reactions within political circles. George Aligec, who managed his campaign in the constituency, suggested the move could reflect financial strain, observing that election campaigns often leave candidates stretched and that post-election legal battles can impose unexpected costs.
In contrast, Simon Opoka, a former ally who also contested in the same race, dismissed the fundraising effort as a calculated attempt to gain public sympathy. He argued that Mao, as a cabinet minister, has sufficient resources to handle his legal expenses.
Opoka further claimed that the “Friends of Mao” network has historically served as a mobilisation tool, suggesting the current appeal may be aimed at shaping public perception ahead of the court proceedings.
Efforts to obtain a direct response from Mao on the fundraising initiative were unsuccessful over the weekend.
The case adds another layer of political intrigue around Mao, who has also signaled interest in contesting for the Speakership of Parliament, currently held by Anita Annet Among.
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