Kampala, Uganda | Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has rejected claims that she became an “accidental Speaker,” stressing that her election was a deliberate outcome backed by 415 Members of Parliament (MPs).
During a Women’s Day breakfast meeting held at Parliament ahead of the International Women’s Day commemoration on 8th March 2026, Among said there is no school for training a Speaker and that it was misguided to label her as accidental.
She noted that being voted by 415 MPs automatically made her the Speaker and expressed confidence that, by God’s grace, she would continue as Speaker of the 12th Parliament, with Thomas Tayebwa remaining as Deputy Speaker.
Among also defended her loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), noting that some had questioned her commitment because she did not fight in the bush.
She explained that she had traversed the entire country to secure votes for party candidates and had supported colleagues across regions.
Among warned that those who had benefited from her efforts but were now opposing her would face divine judgment.
She further recalled that she had faced sanctions during the passage of the anti-homosexuality bill for defending Uganda’s values and traditions, adding that she carried out her duties for the good of the country.
Among emphasized that her concern was serving humanity and acting according to biblical teachings, rather than seeking personal recognition.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa called for the extension of his tenure alongside Among, arguing that more MPs had returned in the 11th Parliament than in previous Parliaments.
He highlighted the importance of protecting experienced legislators and ensuring continuity, noting that losing an election is painful for any MP and that efforts should be made to safeguard their positions.
Following the 2026 general elections, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially endorsed Among and Tayebwa to continue as Speaker and Deputy Speaker. However, other legislators have declared their interest in contesting the top posts.
Among the contenders are Norbert Mao, DP President and Minister of Justice, backed by UPC’s Jimmy Akena, who emphasized a mission to fight grand corruption; Persis Namuganza, State Minister for Housing, positioning herself as a fearless contender; Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, former EALA MP and NRM CEC member, claiming stronger qualifications; as well as Florence Asiimwe Akiiki and Alioni Yorke Odria, who have also announced their bids.
The final vote for Speaker and Deputy Speaker is scheduled to take place during the first sitting of the 12th Parliament in May 2026.
Among, who originally belonged to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), joined the NRM in 2020. She was elected Bukedea District Woman MP unopposed in 2021, became Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament in May 2021, and later succeeded the late Jacob Oulanyah as Speaker with strong backing from the NRM, which holds a parliamentary majority.
