Embattled outgoing Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has officially announced that she will not be contesting for the position of Speaker in the 12th Parliament, citing wide consultations and a desire to maintain harmony within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
In a statement released late on Sunday night, May 17, 2026, Among expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party, and members of the 11th Parliament for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and later Speaker. She also thanked her family and friends for their support over the past five years.
“I wish to draw the attention of the public to the matters regarding the Speakership race. After wide consultations and deep introspection, and 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 of the 12th Parliament,” she stated.
Among pledged her full support to candidates who will be endorsed by President Museveni and the NRM party, urging fellow MPs in the incoming Parliament to do the same. She added that she remains available for any service to the country as assigned by the party and the President.
The announcement comes at a time of intense scrutiny. Over the weekend, joint security teams comprising the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and other agencies conducted raids on Among’s properties, including her residences in Nakasero (Mackinnon Road), Ntinda, and Kigo in Wakiso District.
The operations, which involved heavy security presence and the use of breaching equipment to access locked areas, are part of investigations into alleged illicit enrichment, undeclared wealth, and money laundering. Reports highlighted the discovery of luxury assets, including a Rolls-Royce Cullinan reportedly imported through her foundation. Among has pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations.
The developments follow reports of a State House meeting chaired by President Museveni, after which Among was reportedly asked to step aside from the race due to controversies surrounding her wealth. Endorsements for other potential candidates, such as Defence Minister Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth, have also surfaced in recent days.
Among, who is the Bukedea Woman MP, retains her seat in the new Parliament but will not return as Speaker. Her withdrawal is seen by many as a move to ease internal party tensions ahead of the leadership elections in the 12th Parliament.
Political observers note that the decision reflects the NRM’s emphasis on unity and the President’s influence in determining key parliamentary positions as the new term begins.
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