Masaka District Woman Representative Justine Nameere has weighed in on Speaker Anita Annet Among’s decision to withdraw from the race for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, describing the move as one shaped by leadership consultations and alignment with guidance from the country’s top political leadership.
Among, who announced her exit from the contest on Sunday night, said she would not seek re-election as Speaker and pledged to support candidates to be endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Her decision comes amid heightened political attention, internal party discussions, and ongoing scrutiny from state investigative agencies.
Reacting to the development, Nameere—considered a close ally of the Speaker—commended Among for what she termed as disciplined leadership and responsiveness to counsel from senior political actors.
In her statement, Nameere framed the decision as a product of consultation and political maturity, while also acknowledging the Speaker’s service in the previous Parliament.
“Thank you, Rt. Hon. Speaker, for considering my advice and acting on the guidance of H.E. the President and the leaders you caucused with on this matter. For your contributions, may God bless and reward you. For any shortcomings, may we all strive to do better.”
Nameere’s remarks reflect a broader effort within sections of the ruling party to project unity following the Speaker’s withdrawal from one of the most influential positions in Uganda’s legislative hierarchy.
The Speakership plays a central role in shaping parliamentary business, legislative direction, and institutional coordination with the executive.
Among’s exit has already triggered political debate within Uganda’s political circles, with attention shifting to how the ruling NRM will settle on a successor ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
Her statement also emphasized continued loyalty to party structures and presidential guidance, signaling alignment with internal decision-making processes.
In her resignation message, Among said her decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection,” adding that it was aimed at maintaining unity within the party.
She also expressed gratitude to President Museveni, the NRM leadership, and Members of Parliament for supporting her tenure as both Deputy Speaker and Speaker.
The Speaker further pledged to support whoever is endorsed by the party leadership, while also indicating willingness to continue serving in any capacity assigned by the President or the NRM.
Her exit comes at a time when parliamentary leadership contests in Uganda are closely tied to party consensus and executive influence, often requiring alignment between senior party leadership and parliamentary caucuses before final appointments are confirmed.