The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has dismissed claims that she assumed the role by accident, emphasising that her election by 415 Members of Parliament proves her mandate is legitimate.
Speaking at a Women’s Day Breakfast at Parliament ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, Among described the label “accidental Speaker” as misleading.
“There is no school for training for Speaker of Parliament,” she said. “And there is no accidental Speaker of Parliament. The so-called accidental Speaker was voted for by 415 Members of Parliament. Because of that, she automatically became the Speaker.”
Among further expressed confidence in her leadership, she stated, “By God’s grace, I will be the Speaker of the 12th Parliament. Thomas Tayebwa will be the Deputy Speaker.”
Her remarks came in response to statements by Norbert Mao, who last month referred to Uganda as having an “accidental Speaker” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah. Mao suggested Among assumed office due to unforeseen circumstances rather than a deliberate leadership plan.
Oulanyah passed away in 2022 while in office, prompting Parliament to elect a new Speaker according to constitutional procedures. Among those who were serving as Deputy Speaker at the time was subsequently elected to the top parliamentary position.
