KAMPALA, UGANDA: 18 MAY 2026— In a major political twist ahead of the 12th Parliament, Speaker Anita Annet Among has officially bowed out of the upcoming Speakership race, pledging her full allegiance to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and President Yoweri Museveni.
Among made the bombshell announcement via a public statement, citing “wide consultations and deep introspection” as the driving forces behind her decision to step aside for the sake of party harmony.
Rather than forcing a potentially divisive battle within the ruling party, Among chose to de-escalate tensions.
”I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated, adding that her withdrawal is intended to “maintain harmony and clarity” within the NRM.
She went on to pledge her total support to whoever the President and the party high command choose to endorse for the head of the legislature, urging all incoming Members of Parliament to follow her lead.
The announcement however follows investigations involving the army and police over Among’s alleged involvement in massive corruption and abnormal accumulation of wealth. Security operatives have for the last few days conducted targeted search on her homes in Nakasero and Kigo though no formal report has been issued over the same.
Gratitude and Future Roles
Reflecting on her tenure, Among expressed deep gratitude to President Museveni, the NRM leadership, her family, and the lawmakers of the 11th Parliament who supported her journey as both Deputy Speaker and Speaker.
While she is stepping down from the legislature’s top seat, she made it clear that her political career is far from over, stating she remains available for any future assignments the party or the President may deem fit.
Cooperating with State Investigations
The announcement comes amid a turbulent political climate. Addressing ongoing scrutiny, Among closed her statement by reaffirming her commitment to transparency regarding recent controversies.
The Commitment: She pledged to continue cooperating fully with all state-initiated investigations, and to ensure the relevant state organs “get to the root of all the allegations raised.”
Among’s exit completely blows the race for the 12th Parliament Speakership wide open, leaving the NRM with the task of anchoring a new legislative leader as the political transition takes shape.
