Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has publicly congratulated newly elected Speaker Marksons Jacob Oboth Oboth and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa following the dramatic political developments that culminated in her removal from the powerful parliamentary office. Anita Among wrote how sincerely she wished Oboth Oboth and Tayebwa well, but some people think she is crying inside.
In a carefully worded statement released hours after Parliament elected and inaugurated the new leadership of the 12th Parliament, Among attempted to strike a conciliatory tone with her congratulatory message despite the intense political battles and controversy that surrounded the transition.
Anita Among, the Bukedea District Woman MP and second national vice chairperson of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, said she had confidence in the leadership skills of Oboth and Tayebwa.
She added that she believed the duo would ably steer the 12th parliament to meet the interests of the voters across the country.
“I join my colleagues in congratulating Rt Hon Marksons Jacob Oboth Oboth and Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa on their election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament,” wrote Among.
“I have no doubt that your leadership will bolster the legislative agenda and promote outcomes that serve our nation’s best interests. I sincerely wish you success in your service to our country.”
The message marked Among’s first major public statement since losing the speakership in a political shake-up that has significantly altered the balance of power within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Her fall from grace followed weeks of mounting pressure, internal party tensions. The once-powerful Speaker had increasingly found herself at the center of controversy, including public scrutiny over allegations of corruption, lavish spending, and growing friction with influential figures within government.
Developments reached a turning point after a wave of security operations targeted properties linked to Among and some of her close associates.
Security agencies reportedly conducted searches at her residences in Kampala, Wakiso, and Bukedea, as well as homes belonging to a few members of her inner circle. Several luxury vehicles associated with the former Speaker were also reportedly seized during the operations.
The pressure intensified ahead of the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, with insiders indicating that powerful actors within the NRM had already settled on Oboth Oboth as the preferred candidate to replace her.
Faced with diminishing political support and growing uncertainty, Among eventually withdrew from the contest, paving the way for Oboth Oboth’s election.
The rise of Oboth Oboth, a seasoned legislator and former Minister for Defence, was largely viewed as part of a broader strategy by the ruling establishment to stabilize Parliament and restore public confidence in the institution after months of political turbulence.
Meanwhile, Tayebwa retained significant influence within Parliament and emerged as deputy speaker after successfully navigating the internal political realignments that preceded the vote.
Despite the dramatic circumstances surrounding her exit, Among’s statement appeared aimed at projecting calmness, unity, and statesmanship at a time when political tensions remain high within sections of the ruling party.
However, some believe the brief message also reflected the difficult reality facing the former Speaker, whose political future now remains uncertain after one of the most turbulent periods in Uganda’s recent parliamentary history.
While some of Among’s supporters interpreted the statement as a sign of maturity and acceptance of the political outcome, critics argued that it underscored the rapid collapse of a once-dominant political figure who, until recently, appeared firmly in control of Parliament.
Some even suggested that she could be ‘crying inside’ while other commented that they were happy she had been shown the exit as they criticized her for her lavish expenditure.
The election of Oboth Oboth and Tayebwa effectively ushered in a new era for Parliament, with expectations high that the new leadership will seek to rebuild the institution’s image and strengthen relations within the ruling party and government.
For Among, however, the message served as both a farewell to the office she once fiercely defended and a reminder of how quickly political fortunes can change in Uganda’s unpredictable power circles.
Ahead of the election of speaker and deputy speaker (which event she skipped), Thomas Tayebwa apologized on behalf of Anita Among, as reported Here and There.
Read the biographies of Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa Here and There.
