KAMPALA: Former Speaker of the 11th Parliament Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, ending weeks of speculation over her political future amid mounting pressure and ongoing investigations into corruption allegations.
In a statement released on Sunday, Among said she had decided not to seek re-election to the influential parliamentary position after “wide consultations and deep introspection,” adding that the move was intended to preserve unity within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among said.
She expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM leadership, Members of Parliament, her family and supporters for entrusting her with the positions of Deputy Speaker and later Speaker during the 11th Parliament.
Among also pledged loyalty to the ruling party’s eventual flag bearer, saying she would fully support candidates endorsed by both President Museveni and the NRM.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party, and implore all colleague MPs of the 12th Parliament to do the same,” she said.
The development is expected to reshape the contest for leadership of the next Parliament, with several senior NRM figures now likely to intensify lobbying efforts ahead of the party’s internal endorsement process.
Among, who became Speaker in 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, said she remains available to serve the country in any capacity assigned by the President and the party.
She also said she would continue cooperating with state investigations into allegations that have recently dominated public debate.
The NRM is expected to announce its preferred candidates for the top parliamentary leadership positions in the coming weeks.
