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Outgoing speaker of parliament Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the race for speaker of the 12th parliament amid mounting political pressure and ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering.
The flamboyant Among, who draws little public sympathy, announced her decision on Sunday evening at 11.50 pm EAT through a statement posted on her official X account, saying she had arrived at the decision after “wide consultations and deep introspection.”
Her withdrawal comes at a time when the contest for parliament’s top seat has become increasingly tense, exposing growing divisions and shifting alliances within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The development also follows the decision by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political platform associated with Chief of Defence Forces and President Museveni’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to withdraw support for Among and instead endorse Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the speakership.
The political pressure surrounding Among has intensified in recent days following coordinated security raids on some of her properties over allegations linked to illicit wealth accumulation, abuse of office and money laundering.
The situation was further compounded after the arrest of incoming Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere, one of Among’s outspoken political allies, by military operatives over the weekend.
At the same time, reports have also emerged suggesting that Moses Magogo, Among’s husband and president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), is facing heightened scrutiny as investigations widen.
Among, who first became speaker following the death of Jacob Oulanyah in 2022, had initially appeared determined to seek another term and had actively mobilised support among newly sworn-in MPs.
Below is Among’s full statement as posted on X:
“I wish to draw the attention of the public to the matters regarding the Speakership race. After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the @NRMOnline, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament.
I am greatly indebted to H.E @KagutaMuseveni, my party, the @NRMOnline, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker.
I am equally indebted to my family and friends for the solidarity and support they have extended to me over the last five years.
I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party, and implore all colleague MPs of the 12th Parliament to do the same.
I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me.
In the meantime, 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.
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.
ANITA ANNET AMONG.”
, https://observer.ug/news/anita-among-now-withdraws-from-speakership-race/
