Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has formally withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, in a move that insiders say could ease mounting political and legal pressure surrounding her. In a carefully worded statement released to the public, Among said she wished “to draw the attention of the public to the matters regarding the Speakership race,” signaling a decisive shift in her political course amid ongoing investigations.
“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 said. The decision follows days of intense internal deliberations within the ruling National Resistance Movement and growing speculation about divisions within its top leadership.
Among expressed gratitude to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the party, and lawmakers for her rise through Parliament, noting: “I am greatly indebted to H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, my party, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker.” She also acknowledged the role of her personal support system, adding that she was “equally indebted to my family and friends for the solidarity and support they have extended to me over the last five years.”
In a show of loyalty to the party line, Among pledged: “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 further signaled her willingness to remain active in national service, stating, “I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me.”
Crucially, Among addressed the cloud of investigations hanging over her tenure, affirming: “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.” Her withdrawal is widely interpreted in political circles as part of a broader arrangement aimed at de-escalating tensions and allowing due process to proceed without the complications of a high-stakes leadership contest.
It is said that the move could reshape the Speakership race and consolidate support behind candidates favored by President Museveni, as the ruling party seeks to maintain unity ahead of the new parliamentary term.
It should be remembered that there were raids on Anita Among’s homes, with billions of money and witchcraft items, reportedly recovered. (See Details Here and There).
You can read how fearless Agather Atuhaire and Spire Ssentongo caught Museveni’s eye and complicated things for Anita Among Here.
