The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has delivered a bold and unapologetic political message, declaring her firm loyalty to the ruling party and signaling an aggressive approach ahead of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
Speaking during a high-profile dinner held in honor of Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s 52nd birthday at Skyz Hotel Naguru, Among dismissed critics of her political journey and emphasized her unwavering position within the ruling establishment.
“They say I came from the FDC; I am now in the ruling party and firmly grounded in it,” Among said. “I am like a jigger. I came from humble beginnings, like grass, and I am going nowhere. If they tell us to shift to PLU, I will run faster than anybody.”
Her remarks referenced her past affiliation with the Forum for Democratic Change before joining the ruling National Resistance Movement, and pointed to a readiness to align with emerging political directions, including the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a group associated with Muhoozi’s political mobilization.
Among went further, declaring her intent to use all available means to secure political control.
“I will spend whatever it takes to get what we want,” she told MPs-elect in attendance. “For your information, members, I can proudly say we didn’t have opposition in the 11th Parliament, and for the 12th Parliament it is going to be walloped. This is going to be the easiest Parliament.”
The comments suggest a strategy aimed at consolidating ruling party dominance and minimizing opposition influence in the next legislative cycle. Her assertion that the 11th Parliament operated with minimal opposition presence is likely to stir debate, given the formal existence of opposition parties within the House.
The event, attended by newly elected Members of Parliament, doubled as both a celebratory gathering and a strategic political moment, highlighting the growing intersection between political leadership and military-linked influence networks.
Among’s statements are expected to intensify political discourse as Uganda edges closer to the next parliamentary term, with questions already emerging about the competitiveness and inclusiveness of the country’s democratic processes.
