Bitter Feud: Sejusa and Opondo Trade Blows Over Mao’s Speakership Bid

A sharp war of words has broken out online between retired General David Sejusa and veteran government communicator Ofwono Opondo, casting fresh light on the intensifying political undercurrents surrounding the race for Speaker of Parliament.

The dispute, which has quickly gained traction across social media platforms, was triggered by Sejusa’s commentary on the ongoing speakership contest. In his remarks, the former Coordinator of National Intelligence took aim at critics he accused of prematurely dismissing the prospects of Norbert Mao, arguing that such assessments overlook shifting political realities.

In a detailed and strongly worded post, Sejusa maintained that Mao’s candidacy could reshape the political landscape in meaningful ways. He suggested that Mao’s entry into the race has the potential to broaden the ruling party’s reach beyond its traditional support base, while also addressing long-standing concerns about regional balance within the country’s top leadership structures. According to Sejusa, these dynamics make Mao a contender who should not be underestimated.

However, Opondo swiftly countered, challenging both the substance of Sejusa’s analysis and his current political influence. In a pointed response, the newly elected Member of Parliament representing the elderly revisited Sejusa’s political history, questioning the credibility of his arguments.

“We’ve been here before with you, remember 1997/98, & later when you fled to the US, but returned quietly. What new major constituency do you see Mao bringing that’s beyond NRM President Yoweri Museveni’s independent reach? Who helped reach MAO?” Opondo wrote, invoking past episodes to underscore his skepticism.

The exchange quickly escalated. Sejusa fired back, warning Opondo against drawing his personal history into the debate, a move that appeared to deepen the rift and sharpen the tone of the discussion.

Unyielding, Opondo issued a final response that carried a distinctly personal edge. “My elder brother and comrade, as a polite and honest reminder, your brazen arrogance of 30 years ago, no longer has no place in the Uganda of today,” he wrote.

The remark has been widely interpreted by observers as a direct challenge to Sejusa’s relevance in contemporary politics, with some viewing it as an attempt to portray the retired general as a diminished force — effectively a “lame duck” in Uganda’s evolving political arena.

The public spat has since attracted significant online attention, amplifying debate around both the speakership race and the broader state of political discourse in Uganda. Analysts say the episode reflects deeper ideological and generational divides, as well as lingering tensions among political actors with long and often intersecting histories.

As the contest for Speaker gathers momentum, the clash between Sejusa and Opondo underscores how the battle is being fought not only within formal political structures, but also in the increasingly influential arena of public opinion.