The embattled former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, ending days of speculation following security operations at her residences in Nakasero and Kigo linked to an ongoing state investigation.
In a statement issued shortly before midnight on Sunday, Among said she would “not be offering” herself for the 12th Parliament Speakership race following what she described as “wide consultations and deep introspection.”
Her withdrawal comes amid mounting pressure after joint security operations were conducted over the weekend at her residences as part of investigations into alleged corruption-related offences and claims of illicit enrichment.
Among said her decision was intended to preserve “harmony and clarity” within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The accountant-turned-lawyer and politician, born on November 23, 1973, thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for entrusting her with leadership roles as Deputy Speaker and Speaker over the past five years.
“I remain deeply grateful for the trust and opportunity to serve,” she noted in the statement posted on her official X account at 11:50pm on Sunday.
Her official X account had remained unusually quiet since May 13, even as most of her known aides stayed silent following the launch of the investigations.
Sources familiar with the probe indicated that the investigations were sanctioned at the highest levels of government. Security operatives and detectives conducted lengthy searches at the properties, while access to the compounds remained restricted for several hours on Sunday.
At her Kigo residence, a police flatbed truck arrived at about 7:15pm and later departed empty at around 8:45pm as officers continued investigations inside the compound.
Among, a former opposition figure who later joined the NRM, said she would continue cooperating with all ongoing state investigations into the allegations against her.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she added.
Her withdrawal is expected to reshape internal NRM positioning ahead of the election of parliamentary leadership in the 12th Parliament next Monday.
Former State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, welcomed Among’s decision, saying it would allow for a transparent investigation process.
“We also thank you and Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa for your contribution in passing laws that have served Uganda. Let us all rally behind Rt Hon Oboth Oboth,” Balaam said.
He added: “Finally, thank you Hon Twaha Fadhili and Hon Mapenduzi for your efforts in encouraging Among to withdraw from the race. Uganda needs accountability, unity, and transparent leadership.”
Senior party officials on Saturday reportedly signaled growing support for Jacob Marksons Oboth, who is understood to have secured backing from Museveni and key figures within the ruling party ahead of internal consultations.
The race had attracted declarations of interest from several contenders, including Norbert Mao, Persis Namuganza, Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, Alion Yorke Odria, and Dr Florence Asiimwe Akiiki.
Late Sunday, Among urged incoming legislators to rally behind the party position.
The fate of her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, remained unclear by Sunday night, with an official party decision expected early this week.
Among became Deputy Speaker of Parliament on May 24, 2021, after being elected during the first sitting of the 11th Parliament at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. She later became Speaker on March 25, 2022, following the death of Jacob Oulanyah.
