Kampala, Uganda – The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has officially entered the political ring once again, picking nomination forms from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission to run as Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Her action, confirmed earlier today by NRM officials, adds momentum to a race that’s quickly gaining steam as the ruling party’s internal primaries edge closer.
“The Speaker has picked her nomination forms. She is ready to renew her mandate and serve the people of Bukedea with even more energy.”
Photos shared on social media show a composed and confident Among arriving at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kyadondo, accompanied by close aides and supporters.
The moment underscored both her influence within the party and her resolve to maintain her foothold in Bukedea, a district she has represented since 2016.
While her move is in line with the ongoing nomination exercise for all NRM aspirants, it raises political eyebrows with questions like is Uganda’s third most powerful public official seeking to consolidate power at both the constituency and national level?
Among, who was elected Speaker in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah, has swiftly risen through the NRM ranks, often positioning herself as a loyal foot soldier of President Museveni. Her leadership in Parliament has been defined by tough rulings, controversial decisions, and a reputation for discipline and order.
“I owe everything to my people of Bukedea. I am their daughter, their representative, and their voice,” she recently said at a community engagement in Kachumbala.
“It is only right that I return to them and seek a fresh mandate.”
Speaker Among’s early move into the 2026 race also speaks to a growing tension within the ruling party, as incumbents, newcomers, and former aspirants scramble to position themselves ahead of the primaries.
NRM’s internal politics have long been a battleground where alliances are formed, broken, and rebuilt, often away from the public eye. Insiders say Among’s political weight will make her nearly impossible to challenge in Bukedea, but others argue that grassroots dissatisfaction with the NRM could create room for surprise contenders.
Bukedea District, located in Eastern Uganda, has been a stronghold of the NRM for decades, but like much of the country, it now faces rising youth unemployment, land disputes, and service delivery gaps.
Among has pledged to address these issues head-on if re-elected, promising more infrastructure development, women empowerment initiatives, and a stronger presence of government services in the rural district.
As one of the highest-ranking officials in Uganda’s government, Anita Among’s participation in the upcoming elections sends a clear signal: the 2026 polls will not be business as usual.
Also Read: NUP Opens Doors to Aspirants Ahead of 2026 Polls
