Anita Among Withdraws from Speakership Race Amid Investigations

Anita Annet Among, the outgoing Speaker of Parliament, has announced her withdrawal from the race to lead the 12th Parliament. This move comes amidst significant political pressure and ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and money laundering.

Among revealed her decision late Sunday evening via a statement on her official X account, citing “wide consultations and deep introspection” for her choice. The contest for the Speaker’s position has reportedly become increasingly tense, highlighting divisions within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The withdrawal also follows a shift in endorsement from the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political group linked to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which has now backed Jacob Oboth-Oboth.

Recent days have seen increased scrutiny on Among, including security raids on some of her properties and the arrest of her ally, Justine Nameere. Reports also indicate heightened attention on her husband, Moses Magogo.

Among, who first assumed the Speaker role after Jacob Oulanyah’s death in 2022, had previously been pursuing re-election.

In her statement, Among expressed gratitude to President Museveni, the NRM party, and former MPs for the opportunity to serve. She pledged her support for candidates endorsed by the President and the Party, and committed to cooperating with ongoing state investigations.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/anita-among-now-withdraws-from-speakership-race