Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has officially withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, bringing a dramatic end to a political bid that had already been rocked by widening corruption and money laundering investigations.
In a carefully worded statement issued Sunday evening, Among said she had reached the decision after “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at maintaining “harmony and clarity” within the ruling NRM party.
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” she declared.
The announcement comes amid mounting pressure following high-profile raids on her residences in Nakasero, Kigo, and Ntinda by joint security teams investigating allegations of illicit enrichment and money laundering.
Among also confirmed she would cooperate with investigators.
“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.
The withdrawal is expected to dramatically reshape the Speakership race, with political momentum increasingly shifting toward West Budama MP Jacob Oboth-Oboth, who has recently received backing from influential NRM figures, including CDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Among’s exit also marks a stunning political reversal for one of Uganda’s most powerful politicians, who only recently defeated longtime rival Rebecca Kadaga in a bruising battle for the NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female) position.
Inside political circles, her withdrawal is already being interpreted as a sign of the enormous pressure created by the ongoing investigations and shifting alliances within the ruling party.
More developments are expected as the NRM moves to settle on its official Speakership candidate.
