By East Africa Observer
Kampala | 18 May 2026
KAMPALA — Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, bringing an abrupt end to her bid for a second term just days after receiving NRM CEC endorsement.
In a statement posted on X late Sunday, the outgoing Speaker said the decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection,” and was made “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,” Among wrote.
What She Said
On stepping aside
Among pledged “total support” to candidates endorsed by President Museveni and the NRM, and urged fellow MPs to do the same.
On service
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me.”
On investigations
She said she would “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.”
How It Unraveled
The NRM Central Executive Committee had endorsed Among for Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy on 29 January 2026. That decision was upheld on 11 May when the High Court dismissed a challenge to the process on procedural grounds.
The shift came after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF and leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda [PLU], announced on X that Budama West MP and Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth was the PLU’s choice for Speaker. The PLU had earlier backed Among and Tayebwa.
The change followed public reports of a Rolls Royce valued at approximately UGX 3.5 billion being found at the Speaker’s residence during a search linked to a policeman attached to the Speaker’s office. Gen. Muhoozi commented on X that he had never sat in a Rolls Royce in his 50 years as President Museveni’s son.
Pressure Behind the Exit
Analysts and NRM insiders note that the withdrawal coincided with ongoing searches and operations at several of Among’s establishments and homes. Following those developments, some observers argue she was pressured to quit before the situation escalated further — “pushed before she could fall,” as one source put it.
Neither Among nor state agencies have publicly linked the searches directly to her decision.
What Happens Next
The Speaker election is scheduled for 25 May 2026.
CEC proposal: President Museveni, as NRM chairperson, is expected to propose new names for endorsement this week.
Caucus approval: The NRM parliamentary caucus will sit to receive and approve the CEC resolution.
Parliament vote: The full House will elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker on 25 May.
Under NRM’s Parliamentary Caucus Rules 2014, the CEC recommends candidates for adoption by the caucus before the parliamentary vote.
Among said she will remain Bukedea District Woman MP.