KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, amid mounting political pressure and ongoing investigations into her wealth and asset declarations.
In a statement issued on Monday 18, May 2026, Among said she had decided not to contest the position following “wide consultations and deep introspection,” citing the need to maintain “harmony and clarity” within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” she said.
Sources within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) indicated that pressure had been building on Among for weeks, with President Yoweri Museveni reportedly advising her to step aside amid concerns over corruption allegations and scrutiny of her wealth.
Party insiders said the President was concerned that the controversy surrounding the Speaker could damage the image of both Parliament and the ruling party ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
Although initially resistant, sources said Among eventually conceded after sustained political pressure.
Her withdrawal also comes days after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew its support for Among and endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the Speakership.
The shift significantly altered the internal political alignment ahead of the parliamentary leadership vote.
The political developments coincide with intensified investigations into properties and assets linked to the outgoing Speaker.
Over the weekend, joint teams of police, intelligence officers and soldiers reportedly conducted a search at a luxury residence in Kigo, an upscale suburb along Lake Victoria.
Sources described the property as a high-security mansion valued at more than $6 million, featuring reinforced structures and advanced security installations.
A separate operation was also carried out at her Nakasero residence, where investigators reportedly confiscated documents, electronic devices and a mobile phone for forensic examination.
The investigations follow confirmation by the Inspector General of Government that a complaint had been received regarding possible non-disclosure of assets under Uganda’s Leadership Code framework.
In her statement, Among said she would cooperate fully with all ongoing investigations.
“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,” she said.
Among was elected Speaker in March 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, who died while receiving treatment in the United States.
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Her election marked a continuation of her rapid rise within Uganda’s political hierarchy, having previously served as Deputy Speaker.
During her tenure, she became one of the most influential figures in Parliament, though her leadership also attracted criticism from opposition politicians and anti-corruption campaigners.
In her statement, Among thanked President Museveni, the NRM, and Members of Parliament for the opportunity to serve.
“I am greatly indebted to H.E. Kaguta Museveni, my party, the NRMOnline, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker,” she said.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party,” she added.
Her withdrawal now reshapes the race for leadership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming parliamentary vote.
The full text of Among’s letter on exiting the Speakership race
RE: SPEAKERSHIP RACE
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
