Politics 20 May 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
The Curious Case of Speaker Among's Sudden Decline
In a stunning 48-hour period, Anita Annet Among's powerful political ascent in Uganda crumbled, leaving many observers bewildered. Once seemingly unassailable, the Speaker of Parliament faced a rapid downfall that saw her abandoned by allies and publicly scrutinized. Source: https://observer.ug/news/inside-amongs-48-hour-collapse
Just days after adjourning Parliament with an air of authority, Speaker Anita Annet Among found her political career in a nosedive. The once-dominant figure, who had navigated the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, appeared to lose crucial support with astonishing speed.
Among had cultivated a significant power base, leveraging patronage networks and extensive financial support for ruling party candidates. Her influence extended beyond Parliament, making her a notable political force outside the President’s immediate family.
However, underlying tensions with other power centers in Uganda reportedly began to surface. Whispers of unease grew, particularly concerning her burgeoning independent power. Despite outward displays of loyalty to President Museveni and his son Muhoozi, internal dynamics suggested her position was more precarious than it seemed.
The crisis point arrived with a series of public reports highlighting extravagant spending, including the alleged purchase of a luxury Rolls-Royce and a designer dress worn at a state ceremony. These revelations sparked public outrage amidst a backdrop of economic hardship and widespread concerns about corruption.
The backlash intensified when David Kabanda, a long-time ally and Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), publicly announced the withdrawal of support for Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. This move carried significant political weight, especially after Muhoozi himself had publicly criticized Among over corruption allegations.
Reports suggest that following these events, President Museveni met with Among, recommending her withdrawal from the Speakership race. While she sought time to consider, further actions, allegedly including continued attempts to rally MPs, reportedly angered established figures. This escalated into investigations involving allegations of corruption and money laundering, with searches conducted at properties linked to the former Speaker.
Political analysts suggest that while framed as an anti-corruption drive, the events may also reflect underlying political maneuverings, potentially involving a rivalry with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. The dramatic fall of Anita Among underscores the volatile nature of power consolidation within Uganda’s complex political landscape.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)