The decision by former Speaker Anita Among to withdraw from the race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament continues to draw sharp reactions, with lawyer Godwin Toko offering a critical assessment of her political trajectory.
Toko argues that Among’s exit reflects a broader collapse of her political influence, driven by what he describes as strategic miscalculations and a failure to build a solid grassroots base.
In a statement, Toko claimed that Among’s political isolation had become evident, pointing to the absence of public demonstrations or organized support following her recent troubles.
“Poor Anita Among made so many enemies in such a short time that some people in Teso, even Bukedea, are celebrating her downfall,” Toko said. “There has been no protest for her, not from Teso, and no visible show of support and solidarity from key groups.”
He contrasted her situation with past leaders from the Teso sub-region, noting that figures previously accused of corruption had still attracted regional backing when under pressure.
According to him, the lack of similar mobilization in Among’s case signals weakening grassroots ties.
Toko further faulted Among for relying heavily on Members of Parliament as her primary political base, describing the strategy as unsustainable.
“She thought MPs could be her political base, yet many are self-seeking and unreliable,” he said. “She could have consolidated Teso, but instead ended up making more enemies there and then tried to shift focus to Busoga.”
He added that her expansion into Busoga reportedly placed her at odds with established political figures in the region, further complicating her support network.
Her religious and social positioning also came under scrutiny. Toko suggested that Among failed to cultivate strong ties within the Catholic Church despite her affiliation.
“She didn’t invest in building a local church base,” he argued. “Whenever she needed prayers, she flew to the Vatican instead of nurturing relationships with local congregations.”
On gender politics, Toko argued that Among did not secure the backing of the women’s movement, citing early rivalries and limited alignment with women-focused advocacy.
“She made powerful women leaders her rivals and never built bridges with the broader women’s movement,” he said. “To many of them, she remained an outsider.”
Among’s withdrawal from the speakership race comes amid mounting political pressure and ongoing investigations.
While she has pledged to cooperate and support her party’s direction, analysts increasingly view her exit as a significant setback to her political ambitions.
Toko concluded with a cautionary note to emerging politicians.
“Her short political history is a lesson,” he said. “It shows how not to build a serious and sustainable political career in Uganda.”