Former government spokesperson and newly sworn-in Member of Parliament representing the elderly, Ofwono Opondo, has stirred fresh political debate after openly declaring continued support for Speaker Anita Among despite growing pressure within ruling party circles to back alternative candidates for the Speakership.
Opondo made the remarks during an interview on NBS Television, where he addressed the rapidly changing political atmosphere surrounding Parliament leadership and internal National Resistance Movement (NRM) discussions ahead of the next parliamentary term.
His comments come at a time when the Speakership race has become one of the hottest political issues in Uganda, following reports that powerful figures within the ruling establishment are backing new candidates to replace Anita Among.
During the interview, Opondo confirmed that he had officially assumed office as a Member of Parliament after recently being sworn in. He explained that he was now preparing to fully participate in the internal party caucus processes expected to shape the future leadership of Parliament.
“I’m an MP now. I was given a key to my office this morning. I’m now looking forward to the NRM caucus where we will determine the candidate for Speakership,” Opondo said.
Despite growing political pressure and shifting alliances within the ruling party, Opondo made it clear that his position regarding Anita Among had not changed.
“I’m still team Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa until CEC withdraw their position and give us a new candidate,” he stated firmly during the interview.
His remarks have since sparked widespread discussion within political circles, especially because they appear to openly challenge the growing influence of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has already publicly endorsed Minister Oboth Oboth for the Speakership position.
Muhoozi’s endorsement of Oboth Oboth triggered major political speculation after he praised the minister’s performance and declared support for him to become Speaker of Parliament for the 2026–2031 term.
However, Opondo’s latest comments suggest that not everyone within the ruling camp is ready to abandon Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa despite increasing political pressure and public controversy surrounding Parliament.
Political analysts say Opondo’s stance reflects deeper divisions within the NRM over the future direction of parliamentary leadership and the growing competition between different power centers inside the ruling establishment.
Observers note that Opondo’s support for Anita Among is particularly significant because he has long been viewed as an experienced political communicator and influential voice within government circles.
His decision to publicly maintain support for Among may also indicate that some sections of the ruling party remain cautious about rapidly shifting positions before official party structures such as the Central Executive Committee (CEC) formally announce a final direction.
According to Opondo, the matter should ultimately be resolved through official party processes rather than through public endorsements or political pressure from individual figures.
The debate surrounding the Speakership has intensified in recent weeks amid corruption investigations, internal party disagreements, and increasing speculation about major political realignments ahead of Uganda’s next parliamentary cycle.
Anita Among herself has remained under growing public scrutiny due to allegations linked to corruption, extravagant spending, and leadership controversies that have dominated national headlines.
At the same time, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has also faced uncertainty regarding his political future as discussions continue over possible leadership changes within Parliament.
Meanwhile, supporters of Oboth Oboth argue that the country needs fresh leadership capable of restoring public confidence in Parliament after months of political controversy and negative publicity.
Others, however, believe the rush to replace current leaders may deepen divisions within the ruling party and create unnecessary instability within Parliament at a politically sensitive moment.
The involvement of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba in openly endorsing candidates has further added intensity to the debate, with many Ugandans interpreting his comments as signals of broader political positioning within the ruling establishment.
Opondo’s refusal to immediately shift allegiance highlights the delicate balancing act now facing many NRM members as they navigate loyalty to party structures, powerful political figures, and personal political calculations.
The Central Executive Committee (CEC) is now expected to play a decisive role in determining the official direction of the party regarding the Speakership race and parliamentary leadership positions.
As internal consultations continue, political temperatures remain high, with different factions mobilizing support and attempting to influence the eventual outcome of one of Uganda’s most closely watched political battles.
For now, Opondo’s declaration that he remains “Team Anita Among” has added another dramatic twist to an already explosive political contest that continues to expose growing tensions within Uganda’s ruling political establishment.
