POLITICAL CHESSBOARD: How Anita Among Used Kyankwanzi Retreat to Turn Tables in Speaker Race

By Andrew Buluba

From the moment legislators began arriving at Kyankwanzi, it was evident this would be no ordinary retreat. Beneath the formal program lay a charged political undercurrent—quiet lobbying, strategic alignments, and a Speakership contest that had clearly begun long before any official declaration.

Amid that atmosphere, one figure stood out with striking ease and control. Anita Among did not simply participate in the retreat—she dominated its rhythm. Kyankwanzi became more than a meeting ground; it turned into a stage on which her position as frontrunner was not only reinforced but unmistakably showcased before the caucus and Yoweri Museveni.

What stood out was not just what she said, but how the room responded. Each time she took the floor, attention sharpened. Applause often came early, sometimes before she had even concluded her remarks. In quieter moments—walking through corridors or passing informal gatherings under the trees—her presence sparked murmurs of approval and anticipation.

This response did not appear manufactured. It reflected something deeper: a political rapport she has steadily built across the 11th Parliament. Her appeal has extended beyond party lines, drawing support from NRM members, independents, and even sections of the opposition.

That strength, insiders say, lies less in formal authority and more in personal connection. Over time, she has cultivated relationships through informal engagement—private consultations, timely interventions, and consistent accessibility. Many MPs speak of a leadership style that blends firmness with approachability.

Her political journey also adds an intriguing layer to her current dominance. Anita Among began her national political career within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda’s main opposition parties, before crossing over to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Over time, she steadily climbed the ranks within the ruling establishment, eventually securing the influential position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) of the NRM. This transition from opposition politics to the inner circle of the ruling party has shaped her reputation as a pragmatic and adaptive political actor.

Even among opposition legislators, there has been quiet acknowledgment of her willingness to listen and mediate. For NRM MPs, she has been viewed as a dependable figure—protective of Parliament and responsive to members’ concerns.

Kyankwanzi, in many ways, magnified what had already been taking shape. It brought her influence into full view. And for President Museveni, a seasoned observer of political dynamics, the signals were difficult to miss. The mood within the caucus pointed clearly in one direction: Among had become its central force.

Then came the remark that ignited national debate—the “bedroom versus compound” analogy.
“We do cooperate with other political parties,” she said, “but the cooperation doesn’t mean that you come up to my bedroom; you remain in the compound.”

The comment quickly drew criticism. Norbert Mao dismissed it as “bad politics” and “bad manners,” adding that as a guest invited by the National Chairman, he required no guidance from “a recently adopted child.”

The metaphor was widely dissected, but within Kyankwanzi, it served a calculated purpose. It reinforced the idea of the retreat as an internal NRM affair—a space for party cohesion and alignment. To many MPs, it drew a necessary boundary, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding internal discussions.

Beyond rhetoric, however, a more consequential issue emerged: the revival of the seven-year term debate. Reports indicated that Among raised the matter in closed-door sessions, presenting it as a constitutional reform that Parliament could pursue under Article 77.

Framed as a practical adjustment aligned with regional trends, the proposal resonated strongly with MPs. Extending the term from five to seven years offered stability and continuity—an appealing prospect in a politically uncertain environment.

Observers noted that the timing was strategic. As the Speakership race gathered momentum, aligning with MPs’ interests proved a powerful move. It cast Among as an advocate for legislators themselves, reinforcing her image as a leader attuned to their needs.

For many MPs, the proposal was more than policy—it was reassurance. It spoke directly to their political realities, strengthening her appeal as a candidate who understands and represents the institution from within.

As the political calendar advances, attention is now shifting to the next critical phase. MPs-elect are expected to be sworn in next month, a process that will formally constitute the new Parliament and set the stage for the election of the Speaker. The outcome of that vote will ultimately determine who takes charge of the House, making the current momentum built at Kyankwanzi all the more significant.

Throughout the retreat, subtle conversations reinforced this perception. In small groups and side discussions, MPs highlighted her accessibility, decisiveness, and ability to manage parliamentary affairs without losing a personal touch. Even critics conceded her effectiveness in steering the House.

Meanwhile, President Museveni remained largely silent—but attentive. His role was not to intervene openly, but to observe. He watched the interactions, measured the energy in the room, and noted where loyalties seemed to lie.

In Uganda’s political landscape, such silence often carries meaning. Kyankwanzi provided him with a clear view of the emerging reality: Among was not just in the race—she was leading it.

By the time the retreat concluded, the momentum had shifted decisively. What once appeared to be a competitive contest now looked increasingly settled. Kyankwanzi had served as a platform for consolidation—an opportunity for Among to demonstrate strength, deepen alliances, and reaffirm her standing.

In the end, the retreat did not transform her political identity—it clarified it.

She emerged as a dominant force within the caucus, a leader who understands timing, messaging, and the value of relationships. And as MPs departed Kyankwanzi, many carried a shared impression: they had not just attended a retreat—they had witnessed a carefully executed consolidation of power.

As indicated, Norbert Mao and Anita Among were engaged in a war of words involving the politics of NRM bedroom and the label of a badmannered adopted child who should not tell her father (Museveni) what to do. (See Details Here, There and Over There).

Norbert Mao and Among had previously thrown jabs at each other over the accidental speaker label, as detailed Here and There.

If Anita Among’s political tactics work and Norbert Mao loses the speaker race or drops out, he is reportedly expected to be consoled with a top government job, with the vice president position reportedly being considered. (See Details Here, There and Over There).