Ezra Twino | Kampala | April 17, 2026
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is seeking a second and likely final term as she bids to lead the 12th Parliament, relying on the ruling National Resistance Movement’s established practice where Speakers serve two five-year terms before paving way for new leadership.
Among, who became Speaker in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah, enters the race with a decisive advantage: endorsement by the NRM’s top organ, the Central Executive Committee. As the NRM National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, she already holds a senior position in the party’s hierarchy. Her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, was also endorsed by CEC, signaling the party’s preference for continuity in Parliament’s leadership.
“The party is satisfied with the way the Speaker and Deputy Speaker have handled the business of the House. CEC’s endorsement reflects that confidence,” a senior NRM official who sits on the committee told Eastafricaobserver. “The tradition is two terms for Speaker, and Rt. Hon. Among has earned hers. As our National Vice Chairperson, she embodies the party’s values.”
The NRM garnered a majority in the general elections, giving it commanding influence over the composition of the 12th Parliament. That majority makes CEC’s endorsement a powerful indicator of the likely outcome when the new House convenes to elect its Speaker.
Record of Stability and Consensus
Party officials cite Among’s ability to steer the House in “total harmony” as a key strength. Despite the political tension that would ordinarily come with a 40-year-old regime, Parliament under Among has operated without serious incidences, disruptions, or procedural breakdowns.
“She understands Parliament because she’s been on both sides. That experience has helped her run the House smoothly,” said an NRM Secretariat spokesperson. “There has been order, predictability, and discipline in the way business is conducted.”
Among’s background as a former opposition-leaning MP before joining the NRM is also seen as an asset. Officials say her personal relationships with opposition legislators have helped defuse tension and build working consensus.
“Because of her relationships and how she engages members across the aisle, government business has moved. Every single bill brought by government has passed without resistance,” the senior NRM official added.
Her first term saw Parliament pass several high-profile pieces of legislation, including the Anti Homosexuality Act, 2023, with minimal procedural gridlock. Allies argue that her blend of firmness and familiarity with opposition figures has been central to that record.
A staunch Catholic with strong grassroots ties in Bukedea, Among has also maintained a high public profile through community projects and national tours. Within NRM, she is seen as a leader who combines loyalty to the party with an ability to manage a diverse and often fractious House.
If re-elected to steer the 12th Parliament, Among would be expected to serve until 2031 under the NRM’s two-term convention for Speakers.