Anita Among withdraws from speakership race

Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, ending weeks of speculation over her political future amid growing investigations and internal NRM pressure. In a statement posted on X on May 18, 2026, Among said she reached the decision after “wide consultations and deep introspection” to maintain “harmony and clarity” 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 posted. In her statement, Among pledged loyalty to the party and the President. “I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party,” she said. She also asked MPs-elect to rally behind the party position ahead of the 12th Parliament. The Speaker further addressed ongoing investigations linked to allegations that have recently dominated public debate. “In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” Among stated. Although she did not specify the investigations, her remarks come amid increased scrutiny over corruption allegations and accountability concerns that have placed several parliamentary officials under pressure in recent months. Among thanked Museveni, the NRM, MPs, family and friends for supporting her during her tenure as Deputy Speaker and later Speaker. She said she remains available for any future assignment by the President and the party.