Former Speaker Anita Annet Among has officially withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, bringing a dramatic twist to the intensifying battle for control of Uganda’s legislature.
In a public statement issued amid growing political tension within the ruling National Resistance Movement, Among said her decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at preserving harmony and unity within the party.
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated.
The announcement comes just days after deepening divisions emerged within influential power centers in government and the ruling party over the leadership of Parliament.
Among expressed gratitude to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party leadership, and members of the 11th Parliament for entrusting her with the positions of Deputy Speaker and later Speaker over the last five years.
She also thanked her family, friends, and political supporters for standing by her during what she described as a demanding leadership journey.
Importantly, Among pledged full support to candidates who will eventually be endorsed by President Museveni and the NRM party leadership, calling on Members of Parliament in the incoming 12th Parliament to rally behind the official party position.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party,” she noted.
Her withdrawal comes at a politically sensitive moment as investigations reportedly intensify into corruption and money laundering allegations involving individuals linked to her former political network.
In her statement, Among confirmed that she would continue cooperating with ongoing investigations being conducted by relevant state agencies.
The development is expected to significantly reshape the contest for Speaker ahead of the May 25 parliamentary leadership elections, with attention now shifting toward alternative contenders being backed by powerful actors within the ruling establishment.
The Speakership race has recently exposed widening political fractures within the ruling party, particularly following the withdrawal of support for Among by elements linked to the Patriotic League of Uganda and public endorsements of rival candidates by senior government figures.
Political analysts say Among’s withdrawal may ease tensions within the NRM while simultaneously signaling broader political realignments inside Uganda’s evolving power structure as the 12th Parliament prepares to begin official business.
