Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has withdrawn from the race for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, marking a significant shift in the country’s parliamentary leadership contest amid political pressure and ongoing investigations.
Her announcement, made on Sunday night through a social media statement, follows days of speculation over her political future, with reports indicating intense consultations within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and a changing internal balance ahead of the next Parliament.
In her statement, Among confirmed she would not pursue another term, saying the decision was made after what she described as careful reflection and engagement with party leadership.
“I wish to draw the attention of the public to the matters regarding the Speakership race,” she said. “After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the NRM, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament.”
The development comes amid reports of heightened political pressure within the ruling establishment.
Sources familiar with the discussions claim that President Yoweri Museveni held a meeting with Among last Thursday, where the issue of succession in parliamentary leadership was reportedly raised. State House has not publicly addressed the matter.
Over the weekend, security agencies were also reported to have carried out operations at several of her residences as part of ongoing corruption-related investigations.
While details remain limited, the developments have added a layer of scrutiny to the Speakership transition process.
In her message, Among expressed gratitude to President Museveni, the ruling party, and Members of Parliament who supported her tenure in the 11th Parliament, where she served first as Deputy Speaker and later as Speaker.
“I am greatly indebted to president Museveni, my party, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker,” she said.
She also acknowledged the role of her family and political allies, describing their support over the past five years as central to her leadership journey.
“I am equally indebted to my family and friends for the solidarity and support they have extended to me over the last five years,” she added.
Despite stepping aside from the race, Among pledged continued alignment with the ruling party’s direction in the upcoming leadership decisions, stating that she would support candidates endorsed by the President and the NRM.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party, and I implore all colleague MPs of the 12th Parliament to do the same,” she said.
She further indicated she remains available for future public service roles under the guidance of the party and the Head of State.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she noted.
Among also confirmed she would cooperate with ongoing investigations by state agencies, saying she is committed to assisting authorities as they seek to establish the facts surrounding allegations raised against her.
“I shall continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she stated.
Her withdrawal effectively reshapes the Speakership race and is expected to trigger fresh negotiations within the NRM as the party moves to consolidate its position ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament