Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has announced that she will not contest for the Speakership in the upcoming 12th Parliament, citing internal party consultations and a desire to maintain unity within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In a statement released under the heading “RE: SPEAKERSHIP RACE,” Among said her decision followed what she described as wide consultations and deep introspection, adding that it was intended to preserve harmony and clarity within the party.
She expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party leadership, and members of the 11th Parliament for what she called the opportunity to serve in senior parliamentary leadership roles, including as Deputy Speaker and Speaker.
Among, a senior figure in the ruling party, pledged her support for candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the party for leadership positions in the 12th Parliament.
She also urged incoming Members of Parliament to align with the party’s endorsed choices.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party,” she said, calling on MPs of the incoming Parliament to do the same.
She further stated that she would remain available for continued public service as the party and the President may assign her.
In a notable part of her statement, Among also addressed ongoing scrutiny, saying she would cooperate fully with investigations being conducted by relevant state organs into unspecified allegations.
She concluded her message with a reaffirmation of her commitment to public service, signing off with the phrase: “FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.”
The announcement comes at a politically sensitive moment for the Speaker, who has recently been the subject of heightened public and institutional attention.
