Kampala, Uganda
Outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has officially withdrawn from the race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, ending weeks of intense political speculation and growing scrutiny surrounding her leadership and legal troubles.
In a public statement released Monday through her official social media accounts, Among said she had decided not to seek re-election to the powerful parliamentary position after “wide consultations and deep introspection.”
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among said.
Among stated that her decision was made in the interest of preserving unity and harmony within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
“To maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the NRM, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race,” she wrote.
She also pledged support for candidates endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling party ahead of the leadership elections in the incoming Parliament.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party,” she added.
Her announcement comes amid reports of internal discussions within the NRM regarding the future leadership of Parliament and growing pressure from sections of the party establishment.
The withdrawal follows a series of legal and political developments that placed Among under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks.
Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government (IGG) recently confirmed it is processing a petition filed by lawyers and activists accusing Among of violating the Leadership Code Act through alleged under-declaration or non-disclosure of assets and wealth.
The petitioners requested investigations into her financial declarations and possible illicit enrichment.
At the same time, security agencies including the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recently conducted a high-profile operation at one of Among’s residences in Kampala as part of ongoing corruption-related investigations.
Authorities have not publicly announced criminal charges against her.
In her statement Monday, Among said she would continue cooperating with state investigations.
“In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she said.
Among has remained one of Uganda’s most controversial political figures since 2024, when the United States and the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on her over corruption allegations.
The sanctions included travel restrictions and asset freezes. Western governments accused her of benefiting from corrupt practices and abuse of office, allegations she has consistently denied.
Public scrutiny also intensified following reports linking her to a luxury Rolls-Royce vehicle reportedly valued at approximately UGX 3.4 billion.
Her leadership was further overshadowed by the 2023 Karamoja iron sheets scandal, in which senior officials were accused of diverting iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in northeastern Uganda.
In her statement, Among thanked President Museveni, the NRM party, Members of Parliament, family, and supporters for giving her the opportunity to serve as both Deputy Speaker and Speaker of Parliament.
“I am greatly indebted to H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, my party, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve,” she stated.
She also signaled willingness to continue serving the country in any future role assigned by the President or party leadership.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she said.
Among’s withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape the contest for leadership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
Attention is now turning to possible candidates likely to receive endorsement from the ruling NRM party ahead of the parliamentary vote.
Political analysts say the development marks a major turning point within Uganda’s parliamentary politics and reflects the growing impact of anti-corruption pressure, internal party dynamics, and leadership realignments within the ruling establishment.
The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is expected to take place after Members of the 12th Parliament are sworn in.
