KAMPALA — Speaker of the 11th Parliament Anita Annet Among has announced she will not seek re-election as Speaker of the 12th Parliament, ending speculation about her bid to retain the position.
In a statement released Monday, Among said the decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at maintaining harmony and clarity within the ruling National Resistance Movement.
“After wide consultations and deep introspection, and in the interest of maintaining harmony and clarity within my beloved party, the NRM, I will not be offering myself for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament,” the statement read.
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Among thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for the opportunity to serve as both Deputy Speaker and Speaker. She also acknowledged her family and friends for their support over the past five years.
She pledged full support for whoever is endorsed by the President and the party for the Speakership and called on fellow MPs in the 12th Parliament to do the same.
“I pledge my full support to the candidate endorsed by the President and the Party, and I call upon all colleagues in the 12th Parliament to do the same,” she said.
Among added that she remains available for national service in any capacity assigned by the party and the President. She also reiterated her cooperation with ongoing investigations by state organs into allegations raised against her.
“I will continue to cooperate with all ongoing investigations by the relevant state organs to establish the truth regarding the allegations raised,” the statement concluded.
The announcement comes ahead of the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the 12th Parliament, which will be constituted after the 2026 general elections. The NRM is expected to hold internal elections to endorse a candidate for the position.
Among has served as Speaker since March 2022, having previously served as Deputy Speaker from 2021 to 2022.
The NRM Central Executive Committee is expected to meet to vet and endorse candidates for the Speakership race.
Other MPs who have been mentioned as potential contenders include current Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Minister of Defence Hon. Oboth Oboth.
