Besieged Anita Among quits speakership race after onslaught from corruption fighting Muhoozi
Among rose rapidly within Uganda’s political hierarchy, first serving as Deputy Speaker before becoming Speaker in 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah. During her tenure, she became one of the most influential figures within the ruling party and government structures.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has announced that she will not contest in the Speakership race for the 12th Parliament, opting instead to step aside following what she described as “wide consultations and deep introspection.”
In a public statement issued on Monday, Among said her decision was aimed at maintaining “harmony and clarity” within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
She expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party leadership, colleagues in the 11th Parliament, as well as her family and supporters for the backing extended to her during her tenure as Deputy Speaker and Speaker.
“I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated, adding that she would fully support candidates endorsed by the President and the party.
The decision effectively reshapes the early dynamics of the Speakership contest within the ruling party, where internal consultations are expected to play a decisive role in determining the eventual nominee for one of the country’s most influential parliamentary positions.
Among further pledged to remain available for national service as may be assigned by the party and President, signaling continued political engagement despite stepping away from the race.
She also noted that she will cooperate with ongoing investigations by relevant state organs regarding allegations raised against her, without providing further details.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she said, concluding her statement with the phrase: “For God and my country.”
The ruling party, National Resistance Movement, is expected to intensify internal consultations ahead of the 12th Parliament as it positions its preferred candidate for the Speakership role.
