The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has officially withdrawn from the race for the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, pledging full cooperation with ongoing investigations into allegations that have recently surrounded her office.

In a public statement released on Monday, Among said her decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at preserving unity and clarity within the ruling National Resistance Movement.
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among said.

She expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party leadership, and members of the 11th Parliament for entrusting her with the responsibility to serve first as Deputy Speaker and later as Speaker.

Among also thanked her family, friends, and political allies for their unwavering support over the last five years, describing their solidarity as instrumental during her tenure in office.

She pledged her full support to candidates who will eventually be endorsed by President Museveni and the ruling party, urging all Members of Parliament-elect for the 12th Parliament to rally behind the party’s official choice.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she stated.

Addressing the allegations that have placed her leadership under public scrutiny, Among reiterated her commitment to accountability and transparency, saying she would continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations initiated by relevant state agencies.

Her withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape the political contest for the next Speaker of Parliament, opening the field for fresh contenders as the NRM begins internal consultations to determine its preferred candidate for one of the country’s most powerful legislative offices.

The announcement marks a major turning point in Uganda’s parliamentary politics ahead of the 12th Parliament’s inauguration.