Outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament following mounting political pressure and ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering.
Among announced her decision late Sunday through a statement posted on her official X account, saying she had reached the decision after “wide consultations and deep introspection.”
Her withdrawal comes as divisions continue to emerge within the ruling National Resistance Movement ahead of the election for Parliament’s top leadership positions.
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The political pressure surrounding Among intensified after the Patriotic League of Uganda, a group associated with Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew support for her Speakership bid and instead endorsed Jacob Oboth Oboth for the position.
In recent days, security agencies also carried out searches at properties linked to Among as investigators pursued allegations involving illicit wealth accumulation, abuse of office and money laundering.
The situation escalated further after the reported arrest of Justine Nameere Nsubuga, one of Among’s political allies, by military operatives over the weekend.
Reports have also suggested that Moses Magogo, Among’s husband, is facing increased scrutiny as investigations widen.
Among first became Speaker in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah and had been actively mobilising support among newly sworn-in MPs for another term.
In her statement, Among thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM and members of the 11th Parliament for giving her the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and later Speaker.
She pledged support for candidates endorsed by the president and the ruling party and called on MPs to rally behind the party’s chosen candidates.
Among also said she would continue cooperating with state investigations into allegations raised against her.
Her withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape the Speakership contest, which has increasingly become a focal point of political influence and internal power struggles within the ruling establishment.
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