Anita Among Withdraws from Speakership Race Amidst Investigations

Parliament Speaker Anita Among announced her withdrawal from the race for the 12th Parliament Speakership late Sunday evening. The decision comes after days of intense speculation, fueled by security operations conducted at her residences in Nakasero and Kigo, which are reportedly connected to an ongoing state investigation into alleged corruption and illicit enrichment.

In a statement released just before midnight, Among stated that following “wide consultations and deep introspection,” she would “not be offering” herself for the Speakership. She expressed a desire to preserve “harmony and clarity” within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the ruling party.

Among, who has served as Deputy Speaker and Speaker over the past five years, thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for the opportunities to serve. She pledged her continued cooperation with all ongoing state investigations to address the allegations against her and stated her availability for future assignments as the party and President may deem fit.

The Speaker’s withdrawal is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the upcoming parliamentary leadership elections. Senior NRM officials have reportedly indicated growing support for Jacob Marksons Oboth, who is understood to have secured backing from President Museveni and key party figures.

The race had attracted interest from several other individuals, including opposition figure Norbert Mao and MPs Persis Namuganza, Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, Alion Yorke Odria, and Dr. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki. Among urged incoming legislators to support the party’s official position.

Anita Among became Deputy Speaker in May 2021 and ascended to the Speakership in March 2022, following the passing of Jacob Oulanyah.

This news was first reported by the Daily Monitor.