Agency
Uganda awoke Monday to a major political shift after Annet Anita Among withdrew from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, ending weeks of rising political pressure, investigations, and internal tensions within the ruling establishment.
The withdrawal follows reports of a tense closed-door meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House, widening corruption investigations, coordinated security searches at properties linked to her, and a gradual erosion of support within the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In her statement posted on her X account late Sunday, Among said: “After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the NRM, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,”
She added that she would support candidates endorsed by the party leadership and cooperate with ongoing investigations. At 52, Among’s withdrawal marks a sharp turning point in a political career that had placed her among the most influential figures in the ruling party and Parliament.
Political analysts say the shift was accelerated by internal realignments within the NRM, including growing influence from military-linked political actors such as Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), which had previously signaled support for her but later redirected backing toward officially endorsed candidates.
Attention has now shifted to potential contenders, including West Budama County South MP and former Defence Minister Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, who is emerging as a frontrunner for the Speakership. Kitgum Woman MP Lillian Aber has also surfaced in discussions as a possible candidate for Deputy Speaker.
The developments have also drawn reactions from opposition figures, including Democratic Party president Norbert Mao, while Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and other legislators continue to closely watch the unfolding transition.
Beyond immediate succession politics, the episode has reignited scrutiny of ongoing investigations involving the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which have conducted searches at properties linked to Among.
Analysts note that the controversy surrounding Among, including the Karamoja iron sheets scandal and subsequent sanctions imposed by foreign governments, has significantly shaped public debate on corruption and accountability within Uganda’s leadership structures.
Her withdrawal is now widely viewed as a defining moment in a rapidly evolving political landscape—one shaped by shifting alliances, intensified anti-corruption enforcement, and emerging power configurations within the ruling establishment.
