BREAKING: Anita Among Withdraws from 12th Parliament Speakership RaceKAMPALA, UGANDA — Uganda’s political landscape has been thrown into renewed uncertainty after incumbent Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among officially announced her withdrawal from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.The dramatic development, confirmed through her official communication channels, comes amid mounting political pressure, internal ruling party tensions, and growing scrutiny surrounding corruption-related allegations tied to her office and personal wealth.A Sudden Exit from the RaceIn a carefully worded statement, Among said her decision was guided by the need to preserve “harmony, unity, and clarity” within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).She thanked Yoweri Museveni and the party leadership for entrusting her with leadership roles in both the 10th and 11th Parliament, where she served as Deputy Speaker before rising to Speaker.“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated.“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party.”Her announcement effectively ends months of speculation over whether she would survive intensifying political headwinds and retain one of the country’s most powerful offices.Corruption Investigations IntensifyAmong’s withdrawal comes at a politically sensitive moment.In recent days, Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government (IGG) confirmed it was reviewing a petition filed by a group of lawyers seeking investigations into her assets under the Leadership Code Act.At the same time, reports emerged alleging heightened security activity around her residences and claims of ongoing investigations linked to corruption, unexplained wealth, and money laundering allegations.While no court has convicted Among of wrongdoing, the allegations have dominated political debate and social media discourse in recent weeks.Addressing the controversy directly, Among said she was prepared to fully cooperate with all state agencies handling the investigations.“I am ready to cooperate with all relevant authorities so that the truth can be established and all allegations addressed conclusively,” she noted.PLU Fallout and Political PressurePolitical observers say the decision may also reflect shifting power dynamics inside the ruling establishment.The withdrawal of support from the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a movement associated with Muhoozi Kainerugaba, was widely interpreted as a major setback to Among’s re-election ambitions.Although the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) had earlier signaled support for Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, the rapidly changing political environment appears to have reshaped calculations behind closed doors.What Happens Next?Among’s exit now leaves a major vacuum in the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament and opens the door to intense lobbying within the NRM caucus.Key Questions EmergingWill Thomas Tayebwa contest for the top seat?Could the NRM front a surprise consensus candidate?Is this the beginning of a broader anti-corruption purge within Parliament?How will the shifting alliances affect the balance of power inside the ruling party?Political analysts say the coming days will be critical as the NRM seeks to avoid internal divisions ahead of the new parliamentary term.A Turning Point in Ugandan PoliticsFor supporters and critics alike, Among’s withdrawal marks one of the most significant political moments ahead of the 12th Parliament.Her rise from grassroots politics to one of the most influential offices in Uganda symbolized a powerful political ascent. Her sudden retreat now signals how quickly fortunes can change in Uganda’s evolving political landscape.Whether this becomes a temporary political setback or the defining end of the “Among era” remains to be seen.Developing StoryStay with us for continuing coverage, political analysis, insider reactions, and updates from Parliament and the NRM leadership as the race for Speaker enters a new phase.





