Takeaways

• Anita Among withdraws from the 12th Parliament Speaker race after weeks of speculation.
• She cites wide consultations, internal party harmony, and “deep introspection” as reasons for her decision.
• Her exit comes amid security operations linked to corruption and enrichment investigations, shifting parliamentary leadership dynamics.

Outgoing Parliament Speaker Anita Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, bringing an end to days of speculation that had intensified following security operations at her residences in Nakasero and Kigo linked to an ongoing state investigation.

In a statement issued shortly before midnight on Sunday, Among confirmed that she would “not be offering” herself for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament. She said the decision followed what she described as “wide consultations and deep introspection.”

According to her statement shared on X at 11:50pm, Among said stepping aside was intended to preserve “harmony and clarity” within the ruling National Resistance Movement.

She also expressed appreciation to party leader Yoweri Museveni, the NRM leadership, and members of the 11th Parliament for entrusting her with leadership roles, including Deputy Speaker and later Speaker over the past five years.

Her withdrawal comes in the wake of joint security operations conducted over the weekend at her residences, reportedly linked to investigations into alleged corruption-related offences and claims of illicit enrichment.

The development effectively positions Among as a one-term Speaker if her decision remains unchanged, marking a significant shift in the leadership landscape of Uganda’s Parliament ahead of the 12th Parliament transition.