Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament and former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has officially withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament following days of intense political pressure, internal party shifts, and mounting corruption-related investigations surrounding her tenure in office.
Among revealed her decision in a public statement titled “RE: SPEAKERSHIP RACE,” in which she said she would no longer offer herself for the position after “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at maintaining harmony within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“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,” Among stated.
Her withdrawal comes amid growing reports that powerful political forces within the ruling establishment had begun distancing themselves from her candidature ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
Earlier this month, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), chaired by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, reportedly withdrew its earlier endorsement of Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. The group later directed its MPs-elect to support candidates endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM Central Executive Committee.
Political observers viewed the move as a major setback to Among’s chances of retaining the Speakership, especially after reports emerged of a State House meeting chaired by President Museveni in which she was allegedly asked to step aside from the race.
The developments unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, money laundering, and abuse of office linked to Among and several parliamentary expenditures during her tenure.
The controversy intensified following public outrage over reports that Among acquired a luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan reportedly valued at more than Shs 3 billion, at a time when the country continues to grapple with economic hardship and rising public frustration over corruption.
Security agencies in recent days have reportedly conducted searches at some of Among’s properties in Kampala and Wakiso as part of ongoing investigations being handled by state agencies. The investigations are said to be focusing on alleged illicit wealth accumulation, suspicious financial transactions, and other corruption-related claims.
Despite the growing pressure, Among in her statement thanked President Museveni, the NRM party leadership, Members of Parliament, friends, and family for supporting her during her time as Deputy Speaker and later Speaker of 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 stated.
She also confirmed that she would support the candidate eventually endorsed by the President and the ruling party for the Speakership position.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party,” Among added.
The outgoing Speaker further revealed that she would continue cooperating with ongoing investigations being carried out by state agencies.
“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,” the statement reads.
Her withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape the political contest for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, with attention now shifting to possible contenders reportedly being considered by the NRM leadership, including Minister of State for Defence Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, whose name has recently emerged in political circles linked to the race.
