The Speaker of the 4th Parliament in Uganda, Emeritus Francis Butagira, has encouraged the current Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, to stand firm and continue defending the interests of Uganda, even when it comes at a heavy cost.

He made these remarks during a courtesy visit to the Speaker’s residence in Nakasero on July 30, 2024.

“Remain steadfast in defending Uganda’s interests, even when such actions may come at significant personal cost. This calls for flexibility underling the challenges faced by leaders in navigating the complex political landscape of Uganda,” Butagira said.

Butagira’s solidarity comes at a time when Speaker Among is under sanctions by both the United States of America and the United Kingdom over allegations of corruption. Additionally, last week, on July 23, 2024, young people held protests demanding her resignation, demands she rejected, saying she still has a term to serve as Speaker before handing over power.

Butagira is a lawyer, diplomat, and politician. He has served in various high-profile roles, including as the Speaker of Parliament from 1980 to 1985 and as Uganda’s Ambassador to several countries, including Germany and Ethiopia.

His experience in international diplomacy and domestic governance positions him as a respected figure in Ugandan politics, making his encouragement particularly moving for the current Speaker.