Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has responded firmly to growing political pressure surrounding her bid to retain the speakership, as new alignments, internal party dynamics, and public scrutiny continue to shape the race for leadership of the 12th Parliament.
Speaking during a recent public engagement, Among suggested that her political challengers would ultimately fail, insisting that her position was backed by both political strength and divine support.
Her remarks come at a time when her speakership ambitions are facing visible resistance from within and outside the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) structures.
“The people who are fighting us — the God I serve will fight back for us. There are people saying they want to reclaim the seat of the Speaker. But what did they leave undone? What haven’t we done? Do you mean Teso does not deserve a speaker? That Bukedea does not deserve a speaker? Maybe I am a better asset than them, but I want to tell you that we are still here. Those who think they will continue fighting us will be put to shame,” Among said.
Her comments reflect rising tensions in the speakership contest, which has increasingly drawn in high-level political actors and shifting alliances within the ruling party’s ecosystem.
One of the most notable developments has been the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) reversing its earlier endorsement of Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
The group has since directed its parliamentary affiliates to support candidates eventually fronted by President Yoweri Museveni, effectively opening space for new contenders in the race.
The PLU’s move is widely viewed as a significant political setback, given its influence within sections of the NRM-linked parliamentary network.
Analysts say the shift has weakened the previously assumed momentum behind Among’s retention bid.
At the same time, internal party consultations have not provided a fully settled position.
Reports from recent NRM parliamentary caucus discussions indicate that the speakership race remains fluid, with competing interests still lobbying for influence over the final decision-making process.
Among has also faced renewed political friction with opposition-aligned leaders and coalition partners, particularly over constitutional and political interpretations of who qualifies to contest for the speakership.
These disagreements have added another layer of complexity to an already competitive race.
In addition, fresh scrutiny has emerged over governance and accountability concerns, with petitions reportedly filed seeking investigation into alleged inconsistencies in wealth declaration.
The Inspectorate of Government has acknowledged receiving complaints, although no formal findings have been concluded.
Despite the mounting pressure, Among has maintained a confident public posture, framing the contest as both a political and personal test of resilience.
Her remarks also signal a strategy of rallying regional and political identity support, particularly drawing attention to her roots in Teso and Bukedea.
The speakership race is expected to intensify further in the coming weeks as political consultations continue within the ruling party and allied formations.
With competing endorsements, shifting alliances, and heightened scrutiny, the contest remains one of the most closely watched political battles in the current parliamentary cycle.