KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is set to serve on a Parliamentary Committee chaired by Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, in a remarkable political reversal that brings together two lawmakers whose relationship has been defined by years of bitter disputes, disciplinary battles and public confrontations.
Under the latest committee appointments announced by Government Chief Whip Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Among, the Bukedea District Woman Representative, has been designated to the Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation.
The opposition, meanwhile, nominated Zaake to chair the same committee, with Soroti City Woman MP Anna Adeke serving as vice chairperson.
The development places Among, who until earlier this year occupied one of the most powerful offices in the country as Speaker of Parliament, in the unusual position of serving as an ordinary committee member under the leadership of one of her most outspoken critics.
A dramatic reversal of Parliamentary fortunes
The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation plays a critical oversight role in Parliament. It is responsible for tracking promises, commitments and undertakings made by government ministers and ensuring that ministries, departments and agencies fulfil obligations made before the House.
While committee appointments are often routine parliamentary business, the pairing of Among and Zaake has attracted considerable political attention because of the long and often turbulent history between the two politicians.
For years, Zaake emerged as one of the most vocal opposition legislators challenging Parliament’s leadership under Among, frequently accusing the institution of failing to protect opposition MPs and suppressing dissenting voices.
Political analysts say the latest committee assignments illustrate how parliamentary power dynamics can shift dramatically between legislative sessions.
“Committee structures are often where Parliament’s real oversight work happens,” said one parliamentary observer. “Seeing a former Speaker now serving on a committee chaired by someone who repeatedly challenged her authority is politically significant.”
History of confrontation
The strained relationship between Zaake and Parliament’s leadership predates Among’s tenure as Speaker.
Zaake first became nationally prominent during the chaotic September 2017 parliamentary debates on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, commonly known as the “Togikwatako” bill, which sought to remove the presidential age limit from Uganda’s Constitution.
The debate descended into one of the most violent confrontations in Uganda’s parliamentary history.
Security personnel forcibly removed opposition MPs from the chamber, with several legislators sustaining injuries. Zaake was among those hurt during the operation and later required medical attention.
The events drew widespread criticism from opposition groups and human rights organisations, which accused security forces of excessive use of force inside Parliament.
Years later, Zaake again found himself at the centre of controversy when he was physically assaulted inside Parliament.
In November 2024, Kilak North MP Anthony Akol punched Zaake during a heated exchange in the chamber, leaving him injured and requiring medical treatment.
Following the incident, Zaake publicly criticised then-Speaker Anita Among, accusing her of failing to adequately protect opposition MPs and maintain order within Parliament.
The commissioner battle
Perhaps the most significant clash between Among and Zaake came over his removal as a Parliamentary Commissioner.
In March 2022, Parliament voted by secret ballot to remove Zaake from the Parliamentary Commission after the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline found him guilty of misconduct related to statements made on social media.
A total of 155 MPs voted in favour of his removal.
The decision was celebrated by some government supporters but condemned by opposition figures who described it as politically motivated.
However, the matter did not end there.
In September 2023, the Constitutional Court nullified Parliament’s decision, ruling that the House had failed to meet the constitutionally required quorum when passing the resolution.
The ruling effectively overturned Zaake’s removal and restored his legal position.
The dispute resurfaced in March 2024 after the National Unity Platform (NUP) sought to replace former Parliamentary Commissioner Mathias Mpuuga with Zaake following controversy surrounding parliamentary service award payments.
Speaker Among declined to implement the party’s request, arguing that commissioners are elected by Parliament rather than appointed by political parties.
The decision deepened tensions between Among and sections of the opposition.
Among’s reduced Parliamentary influence
The latest committee assignments come at a time when Among’s political standing has changed significantly.
After losing the Speakership earlier this year, she now participates in parliamentary business as an ordinary legislator.
Although she remains one of the ruling National Resistance Movement’s most influential politicians, her transition from presiding officer to committee member marks a notable shift in status.
The committee appointment is therefore being interpreted by some observers as symbolic of broader changes within Parliament’s leadership structure.
Wider committee reshuffle
The parliamentary reorganisation also resulted in several other notable changes affecting influential lawmakers.
Among’s husband, Budiope East MP and Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president Moses Magogo, was redesignated from the powerful Budget Committee to the Human Rights Committee.
Kachumbala County MP Patrick Isiagi, a relative of Among, was also dropped from the Budget Committee.
Also Read: Trapped or Exposed? Why Anita Among fallout matters beyond Parliament
The Budget Committee remains one of Parliament’s most influential committees because it scrutinises government expenditure proposals and oversees public spending priorities.
The latest committee allocations are expected to shape parliamentary oversight activities for the next two and a half years.
New committee leadership
Among the key appointments announced:
- Francis Zaake — Chairperson, Government Assurances and Implementation Committee
- Anna Adeke — Vice Chairperson, Government Assurances and Implementation Committee
- Amos Kankunda — Chairperson, Budget Committee
- Dr Tom Aliti Candia — Vice Chairperson, Budget Committee
- Betty Nambooze — Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee (Local Government)
- Patrick Nsamba Oshabe — Chairperson, PAC Central Government
- Muwadda Nkunyingi — Chairperson, COSASE
The committee changes come as Parliament prepares for a new phase of legislative oversight amid growing public scrutiny over government spending, service delivery and accountability.
For many observers, however, the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on one committee in particular — where Francis Zaake will preside while former Speaker Anita Among takes her seat as a member, bringing one of Uganda’s most consequential parliamentary rivalries into a new chapter.
