Uganda’s Speaker Anita Among Denies Presidential Ambitions, Pledges to Retire in 2031

KAMPALA, Uganda — Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has forcefully dismissed rumors that she is eyeing the Ugandan presidency, declaring instead that she will retire from active politics in 2031 and throw her support behind President Yoweri Museveni’s chosen successor.

Speaking to the media, Among described the speculation as “rubbish,” insisting she has already overachieved in her political career and has no interest in the country’s highest office.

“I have heard a section of people out there speaking. I don’t want to call it rubbish, but it is rubbish,” Among said. “Even where I am now, I have overachieved. I did not expect to be there. I am saying, 2031, I am retiring from active politics.”

The Speaker, who is one of the most influential political figures in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), used the opportunity to clarify her political future and loyalty to President Museveni. She pledged to back whichever candidate the president endorses as his successor — widely expected to be his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

“If my brother is standing or anybody that the president shows me support, that is the person I will support,” Among stated.

Her remarks come amid growing speculation about potential contenders to succeed Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986. The president has not publicly announced a retirement date, but his son, Gen. Muhoozi, a senior military figure, has become increasingly visible in political circles and is seen by many as the heir apparent.

Among, who has served as Speaker since 2022, has weathered political turbulence in recent years, including a corruption scandal and a travel ban imposed by the United Kingdom over alleged human rights abuses — sanctions she has consistently denied and criticized as politically motivated.

By distancing herself from presidential ambitions and pledging loyalty to Museveni’s chosen successor, Among appears to be seeking to neutralize rumors that could create friction within the ruling establishment ahead of the 2026 general elections and beyond.

Political analysts note that her declared 2031 retirement timeline aligns with the end of a potential second full term for Museveni if he stands again, or with a transitional period under a new leader. For now, Among says her focus remains on her current role — and on supporting the president’s eventual pick.