Uganda’s political landscape has entered a new phase following the announcement by Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among that she will not contest for the Speakership position in the upcoming 12th Parliament. The decision, which comes amid growing political pressure, corruption allegations, and ongoing investigations linked to parliamentary expenditure, has quickly become one of the biggest political stories in Uganda.
In a public statement released on her official social media platforms, Anita Among said her decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at preserving unity, harmony, and clarity within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” the statement read.
The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time, especially after reports emerged over the weekend that security agencies and anti-corruption investigators had carried out operations linked to properties associated with the Speaker. Reports circulating from Saturday evening indicated that investigators were pursuing corruption-related allegations connected to parliamentary expenditure, procurement processes, and alleged misuse of public resources.
The investigations immediately sparked widespread public debate across Uganda, with social media platforms flooded by reactions, speculation, and political commentary. Videos and reports showing increased security activity intensified discussions about accountability within Parliament and raised questions about the future of the Speakership race.
Although authorities have not publicly released detailed findings regarding the investigations, the developments significantly increased pressure on Anita Among’s leadership in recent days. Opposition leaders, civil society organizations, and anti-corruption activists called for transparency and accountability, while supporters of the Speaker argued that the investigations should follow due process and avoid political manipulation.
Many political observers now believe the timing of the investigations played a major role in reshaping the internal dynamics surrounding the leadership of the 12th Parliament.
Anita Among rose to national prominence after serving as Deputy Speaker before becoming Speaker of Parliament following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in 2022. During her tenure, she became one of the most powerful and influential figures in Uganda’s political system.
Her leadership period was marked by several high-profile parliamentary decisions and controversial national debates. She presided over discussions surrounding the Anti-Homosexuality Act, national budget approvals, supplementary expenditure requests, and major parliamentary oversight proceedings that attracted both domestic and international attention.
Supporters often praised her confidence, strong leadership style, and ability to command Parliament during difficult political moments. She also built a strong grassroots political base, particularly in Eastern Uganda, and became one of the most visible female political leaders in the country.
However, critics frequently accused Parliament under her leadership of failing to adequately address corruption concerns and becoming increasingly partisan. In recent months, allegations involving service awards, parliamentary expenditure, and procurement processes further intensified scrutiny around her office.
The pressure expanded internationally after some Western governments imposed sanctions and raised concerns regarding corruption allegations and governance issues involving top Ugandan officials. Those developments added another layer of political tension ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
In her withdrawal statement, Anita Among directly addressed the ongoing investigations, pledging to cooperate fully with all relevant state organs “to get to the root of all the allegations raised.” Political analysts have interpreted that portion of the statement as a response to the growing anti-corruption pressure that has dominated political discussions over the past few days.
At the same time, her statement strongly emphasized loyalty to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the ruling NRM party. She pledged full support to candidates who will eventually be endorsed by the President and urged Members of Parliament to rally behind the party’s official position for the Speakership race.
Observers believe the repeated references to “unity” and “harmony” within the NRM suggest that internal party consultations may have heavily influenced her decision to step aside. Historically, leadership positions within Uganda’s Parliament have often reflected broader negotiations and consensus-building within the ruling establishment.
Despite withdrawing from the Speakership race, Anita Among made it clear that she remains committed to serving Uganda and remains available for any responsibilities assigned by the President and the party.
Her withdrawal now reshapes the political calculations surrounding one of the country’s most powerful offices. Attention has shifted to who will receive official endorsement from the NRM and how the ruling party intends to manage the transition into the 12th Parliament.
For many Ugandans, the developments surrounding Anita Among represent more than just a parliamentary leadership contest. They reflect broader national conversations about political power, accountability, corruption, party loyalty, and the future direction of governance in Uganda.
Whether viewed as a strategic political retreat, an act of party discipline, or a response to mounting investigations and public scrutiny, Anita Among’s decision has undoubtedly become a defining moment in Uganda’s current political transition.
As the country prepares for the opening of the 12th Parliament, Uganda now watches closely to see how the unfolding investigations, internal NRM negotiations, and leadership changes will shape the nation’s political future.
