Anita Among's Tumultuous Tenure as Speaker

Before entering politics, Annet Anita Among was a senior lecturer at Makerere University Business School. Despite two failed attempts to enter Parliament on the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket in 2006 and 2011, Among’s persistence led her to Parliament as an Independent in 2016.

Initially associated with the Opposition, her role as vice chairperson of the parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) was eyed with suspicion by some, who alleged covert ties to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). This speculation proved prescient when she eventually joined the NRM and ascended to higher leadership roles, culminating in her election as Deputy Speaker and subsequently Speaker of Parliament following the death of Jacob Oulanyah in March 2022.

Under Among’s leadership, the 11th Parliament passed a substantial 138 Bills, including the highly debated Anti-Homosexuality Law, which drew criticism from Western nations but was seen by some as unifying the House. However, her tenure was also characterized by accusations of stifling debate, intimidation, and allegedly using her position for personal financial gain, particularly through lending activities, according to former NRM Parliamentary Caucus spokesperson Brandon Kintu.

Several controversial pieces of legislation, such as the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill and the protection of sovereignty bill, were passed, often despite strong opposition from minority reports and attempts to press for their review. Critics, including Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, have pointed to instances of physical altercations during parliamentary debates, highlighting the tense atmosphere.

Among’s own statements about the absence of opposition in the 11th Parliament, which she later attributed to AI but was challenged on, further fueled perceptions of a muzzled legislative body. Figures like former Cosase chairperson Joel Ssenyonyi and Mityana Municipality MP Gilbert Olanya have welcomed recent scrutiny into alleged corruption and maladministration during her leadership, suggesting a climate of fear among parliamentary staff.

The tenure concluded with investigations into wealth accumulation and alleged corruption, leading to Among’s withdrawal from the Speakership race. Critics like Erias Lukwago, interim president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party, suggest Among was a pawn used by the ruling regime, while others, like FDC vice chairperson Robert Franco Centenary, note the public endorsement of her ventures by President Museveni. The hope for many is that her successor will restore the tarnished image of the House.

This article is based on reporting from the Daily Monitor.