The election of Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth as Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has marked a dramatic political setback for former Speaker Anita Among, whose influence within the ruling establishment appeared strong only weeks ago.
Until recently, Among was widely expected to retain the speakership after reportedly securing backing from the Central Executive Committee of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Since becoming Deputy Speaker in 2021 and later Speaker following the death of Jacob Oulanyah in 2022, Among had emerged as one of the country’s most influential political figures.
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Her sudden political decline has fuelled speculation over her future, particularly as investigations linked to her tenure continue.
Sources familiar with discussions within government claim President Yoweri Museveni had encouraged Among to withdraw from the race and was prepared to consider appointing her to cabinet if she stepped aside.
Museveni has not publicly commented directly on the matter.
Andrew Mwenda, spokesperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda, suggested the President may still rehabilitate Among politically despite recent events.
“I think he can still appoint her to cabinet,” Mwenda said during a podcast discussion with media figures Robert Kabushenga and Charles Onyango-Obbo.
However, Among was absent from the recently announced cabinet appointments, leaving her currently serving only as Bukedea Woman MP.
Questions also remain around the security of her parliamentary seat after allegations that potential challengers were blocked from contesting against her during the elections in which she was returned unopposed.
Among also faces possible legal challenges as investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office continue.
A former MP described as one of her close associates said uncertainty now surrounds her political future.
“I don’t want to think that Museveni is capable of sending her to prison. But as we have seen, there is a new kid on the block. It looks like Museveni is no longer a lone actor,” the former legislator said, referring to Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Another legislator close to Among described the developments as politically devastating.
“This was a massacre not only for her, but for us. We thought we would use her influence to be accommodated in some way, but things span so fast out of control. It is hard to recover from something like this,” the MP said on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, Oboth-Oboth has pledged sweeping reforms aimed at restoring public trust in Parliament amid ongoing concerns over accountability and corruption.
The West Budama Central legislator secured 441 votes in the Speaker election, defeating Paul Mwiru of the National Unity Platform and Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party.
Speaking shortly after taking office, Oboth-Oboth promised to strengthen accountability and enforce higher standards within Parliament.
“In the next five years, we will hold the Executive and other government bodies accountable, but we must start with ourselves,” he said.
“We cannot demand accountability from others if we are not accountable in the use of public resources.”
He also pledged zero tolerance for corruption and said parliamentary debate should focus more on facts and evidence rather than political theatrics.
“The floor of Parliament will not be a theatre for hearsay or grandstanding,” he said. “Our debates must be grounded in facts, data, and sound research.”
Oboth-Oboth further called for earlier intervention in cases involving public spending.
“Oversight should not be a postmortem,” he said. “We must act in real time to prevent the loss of public funds.”
The new Speaker also pledged greater openness between Parliament and the media.
“We must maintain a transparent, decent and open Parliament,” he said.
“The media are not our enemies, but the public’s eyes and ears. If we are doing the right thing, there is no reason to hide.”
A trained lawyer, Oboth-Oboth previously served as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs and chaired several parliamentary committees before assuming the Speaker’s office.
“I promise to treat each one of us with fairness as we work to rebuild public trust,” he told MPs. “We must embrace visible and structural changes.”
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