Pressure is mounting on Speaker of Parliament Anita Among as she seeks a second term in office, after a vocal ruling party activist accused her of betraying President Yoweri Museveni and undermining public trust in Parliament.
The remarks add a new political layer to an already heated succession battle within Uganda’s legislative leadership.
NRM activist Shaka Fred issued a statement condemning Among’s continued bid for the speakership, arguing that her leadership record has been damaged by corruption allegations and international sanctions.
He further claimed that her conduct undermines the credibility of both the ruling party and government institutions at a time when the administration is seeking renewed public confidence.
“All honest NRM cadres must categorically condemn her betrayal of President Museveni who endorsed her for two key positions,” he said, referring to her roles as Speaker and NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female). He added that her leadership had been discredited by corruption-related allegations and public criticism.
He further stated, “Now that Ugandans have given the NRM government a second chance, it is time for individuals like her, who hold key positions and are likely to repeat previous mistakes, to be dropped and replaced with those who will ensure the interests of Ugandans are put at the forefront.”
The remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of Among’s leadership, which has in recent months been overshadowed by allegations linked to the 2023–2024 iron sheets scandal involving the diversion of relief items meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
The controversy led to sanctions from the United Kingdom and the United States in 2024, with both governments citing corruption-related concerns in their decisions.
In addition, activists in Uganda recently petitioned the Inspector General of Government to investigate allegations that Among failed to fully declare her assets and liabilities under the Leadership Code Act.
The petition has intensified public debate over transparency and accountability among top state officials, particularly those holding constitutional offices.
Among has, however, consistently denied wrongdoing and rejected claims of corruption or personal enrichment.
She has previously argued that the allegations against her are politically motivated and linked to wider power struggles within the ruling establishment.
Her allies maintain that she remains a strong candidate for the speakership due to her experience managing parliamentary affairs.
The controversy now places her candidacy at the center of a broader political contest within the ruling National Resistance Movement, where internal divisions and competing endorsements are shaping the leadership race.
The mention of President Yoweri Museveni’s earlier endorsement has also drawn attention to possible tensions between political loyalty and accountability standards within the party.