Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has announced that she will not contest for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, bringing to an end weeks of speculation surrounding her political future and the race for one of the country’s most influential offices.
In a statement posted on her official X account on Sunday, Among said the decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at maintaining “harmony and clarity” within the ruling National Resistance Movement.
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among wrote.
Among expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party leadership, and Members of Parliament for entrusting her with the responsibilities of Deputy Speaker and later Speaker during the 11th Parliament.
She also thanked her family, friends, and political supporters for standing with her throughout her leadership journey over the last five years.
Among pledged loyalty to the ruling party and said she would fully support any candidates endorsed by President Museveni and the NRM for the Speakership race. She called upon Members of the incoming 12th Parliament to rally behind the party’s official position in order to preserve unity.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party,” she stated.
Her announcement comes at a time when she has been facing mounting political pressure and scrutiny over a series of allegations that have triggered investigations by state agencies. Although she did not provide details, Among said she remains committed to cooperating with all ongoing investigations “to get to the root of all the allegations raised.”
The development is expected to reshape the political dynamics within the NRM ahead of the election of parliamentary leaders for the 12th Parliament. Her withdrawal leaves the contest more open and could pave the way for fresh alignments within the ruling party as MPs position themselves for the next leadership structure in Parliament.
Despite stepping away from the race, Among signaled her willingness to continue serving the country in any capacity assigned to her by President Museveni and the party leadership.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she added.
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