Anita Among
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, citing the need to preserve unity within the ruling National Resistance Movement amid mounting political pressure and ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment.
Among’s withdrawal, announced Sunday night through a statement posted on her X account, marked her first public response since joint security agencies launched investigations into her wealth and conduct while serving as Speaker.
The development follows days of intense political maneuvering within the ruling party, with reports indicating that powerful figures within the state and party structures had turned against her bid to retain the influential parliamentary position.
In her statement, Among said her decision came after “wide consultations and deep introspection,” emphasizing that she wanted to maintain cohesion within the NRM.
“I wish to draw the attention of the public to the matters regarding the Speakership race. After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the NRM, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” she stated.
Highly placed sources within the ruling establishment say Among’s decision followed a meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, during which she was reportedly advised to step aside in the interest of party unity and stability.
The pressure intensified after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew support for Among and instead endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the Speakership.
Muhoozi publicly backed Oboth-Oboth, the Member of Parliament-elect for West Budama Central County, as the preferred candidate for Speaker, a move political analysts viewed as a major blow to Among’s campaign.
Her withdrawal also comes at a time when security agencies are conducting investigations into allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment and money laundering. Reports of raids on properties linked to Among by joint security teams further heightened speculation that her political position had become increasingly untenable.
Despite the controversy surrounding her exit from the race, Among adopted a conciliatory tone in her statement, thanking President Museveni, the NRM leadership and Members of Parliament for the opportunity to serve in senior parliamentary positions during the 11th Parliament.
“I am greatly indebted to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, my party, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker,” she said.
Among also expressed gratitude to her family and close associates for supporting her during what she described as a difficult period.
“I am equally indebted to my family and friends for the solidarity and support they have extended to me over the last five years,” she added.
In a move aimed at demonstrating loyalty to the ruling party, Among pledged to support whichever candidates will eventually receive endorsement from President Museveni and the NRM leadership.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party, and implore all colleague MPs of the 12th Parliament to do the same,” she noted.
She further indicated that she remains ready to continue serving the country in any role assigned to her by the President and the party.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she stated.
Among also addressed the ongoing investigations directly, promising to cooperate fully with authorities as they probe the allegations against her.
“In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she said.
Her withdrawal now clears the way for a new contest for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, with Jacob Oboth-Oboth increasingly emerging as a frontrunner following endorsements from influential figures within the ruling establishment.
Among’s exit currently reflects the growing influence of internal power dynamics within the NRM and signals a broader effort by the party leadership to avoid divisions ahead of the new parliamentary term.
About the Author
