Outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has announced that she will not contest for the Speakership position in Uganda’s 12th Parliament, bringing clarity to ongoing speculation about her political future.
In a public statement, Among said her decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection,” and was guided by the need to maintain unity within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). She emphasized her commitment to party cohesion and pledged full support for candidates who will be endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM leadership.
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated.
She expressed gratitude to President Museveni, the NRM, and Members of Parliament for entrusting her with leadership roles in the 11th Parliament, where she served as both Deputy Speaker and later Speaker. Among also acknowledged the support of her family and friends throughout her tenure.
The outgoing Speaker called on fellow legislators to rally behind the party’s chosen candidate, urging unity among MPs as the new Parliament takes shape. “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 said.
Information available indicate that the NRM Central Executive Committee chaired by President Yoweri Museveni has endorsed outgoing defence minister Mark Jackson Oboth- Oboth as the next speaker replacing Among who has been in charge since 2022.
Among further noted that she remains available to serve the country in any capacity assigned by the President and the party. Her statement also addressed ongoing investigations into allegations surrounding her leadership. She affirmed her willingness to cooperate fully with relevant state agencies to ensure the matters are resolved.
“I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations… to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she added. Among has been facing corruption and money launder investigations which have forced security forces to search for her homes in Nakasero, Ntinda and Kingo worth billions of money. Her trouble ignited after she imported a luxurious bvehicle Rolls Royce at a cost of more than USD1M.