Looking Back: Anita Among's Political Journey and Controversial Speakership

Anita Annet Among’s political trajectory saw her rise rapidly from a university lecturer with minimal political presence to the Speaker of Parliament. Her early attempts to enter politics in 2006 and 2011 proved unsuccessful, but her persistence led her to win the Bukedea District Woman MP seat as an independent in 2016. Initially aligning with the opposition, her career took a significant turn when she switched to the ruling NRM party before the 11th Parliament, a move that paved the way for her election as Deputy Speaker and, subsequently, as Speaker following the death of Jacob Oulanyah.

During her term, Among highlighted the 11th Parliament’s productivity, citing the passage of 138 Bills, 211 resolutions, and extensive debates on ministerial policy statements. She was notably credited with steering the controversial Anti-Homosexuality law through Parliament, a move that garnered both praise and international sanctions. However, her leadership was also met with sharp criticism.

Accusations of stifling debate and intimidation were leveled against her by some members, including former NRM Caucus spokesperson Brandon Kintu. Critics also pointed to potential conflicts of interest, such as her involvement in money lending businesses while presiding over parliamentary proceedings. The 11th Parliament also saw the passage of other contentious laws, such as the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill 2022 and the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024, with opposition attempts to block them often proving unsuccessful and, in some instances, violent.

Policy analysts argue that Among’s strong political control may have come at the expense of Parliament’s independence and oversight role. Public frustration over parliamentary resource utilization and a perceived disconnect between the institution and the economic struggles of ordinary Ugandans were highlighted by campaigns like #ParliamentExhibition.

Among’s assertion that the opposition was ‘swallowed’ in the 11th Parliament drew strong pushback, with opposition MPs reminding her of the Speaker’s role as a neutral arbiter. Challenges arose in the presentation of committee reports, such as the Uganda Airlines report, which was blocked by Among, citing a leak. This incident, among others, raised concerns about the oversight function of Parliament.

Some political figures suggest that Among was ‘used’ by the regime and that recent investigations are a political maneuver to manage her out of the Speakership. Her openness about amassed wealth was also noted as a contrast to other NRM figures who have maintained a lower profile. The current scrutiny, they argue, should serve as a lesson for leaders who may be utilized and then sidelined by the state.

As Among withdraws from the Speakership race, the focus shifts to the legacy of the 11th Parliament and the need for future leadership to restore the institution’s credibility and independence. Calls have been made for the incoming Speaker to bring ‘sanity’ and for the NRM to select leaders who are ‘people-centered’ and accountable.