Anita Among Withdraws from Speakership Race, Pledges Support to NRM Endorsed Candidate
KAMPALA, Uganda – In a surprising turn of events just days before the inauguration of the 12th Parliament, the immediate former Speaker, Anita Annet Among, has announced she will not seek re-election for the top parliamentary seat.
In a statement released to the public on Monday, Among cited the need for “harmony and clarity” within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party following extensive consultations and deep personal reflection.
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among declared.
She expressed profound gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party leadership, and her colleagues in the 11th Parliament for entrusting her with the roles of Deputy Speaker and later Speaker. She also acknowledged the support of her family and friends over the last five years.
Pledge to Support Party Line
The Speaker urged all incoming members of the 12th Parliament to follow suit, pledging her total support to whichever candidate is eventually endorsed by the President and the NRM party.
“I implore all colleague MPs of the 12th Parliament to do the same,” she stated, signaling a move to avoid a chaotic leadership battle on the floor of the House.
Cooperation with Investigations
In a significant portion of her statement, Among addressed ongoing legal and administrative inquiries. Without delving into specifics, she committed to continuing her full cooperation with all relevant state organs investigating allegations raised against her.
“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 said.
Future Role
While stepping back from the Speakership race, Among remained ambiguous about her immediate political future, stating she remains available to serve the country in any capacity assigned to her by the President and the party.
“For God and My Country,” she concluded, signing off the announcement that reshuffles the deck ahead of the parliamentary vote.
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