Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has finally spoken out following the election of Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth as the new Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, offering a message of congratulations and support to the newly elected parliamentary leadership.
Among’s statement came shortly after Monday’s highly anticipated vote held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where lawmakers elected Oboth-Oboth as Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker in a process that attracted significant national attention.
The former Speaker, who had remained largely quiet throughout the transition period, used her message to publicly acknowledge the outcome of the election and wish the new leadership success as they assume responsibility for guiding the country’s legislative arm.
In her statement, Anita Among expressed confidence in the ability of Oboth-Oboth and Tayebwa to lead Parliament effectively and strengthen Uganda’s legislative agenda during the new parliamentary term.
“I join my colleagues in congratulating Rt Hon Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth and Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa on their election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated.
She further added, “I have no doubt that your leadership will bolster the legislative agenda and promote outcomes that serve our nation’s best interests. I sincerely wish you success in your service to our country.”
The statement quickly attracted widespread reactions online, with many Ugandans interpreting it as a gesture of political maturity and statesmanship following what had been an intense and closely watched leadership transition.
Political observers noted that Among’s remarks appeared carefully measured and diplomatic, signaling unity and continuity within Parliament despite the political competition and speculation that surrounded the election process.
The transition has been one of the most discussed political developments in recent weeks, with many Ugandans eager to see how the new parliamentary leadership will shape legislative priorities and national debate moving forward.
Supporters of Oboth-Oboth welcomed Among’s message warmly, describing it as an important sign of stability and cooperation within the institution at a time when the public expects Parliament to focus on accountability and service delivery.
Others viewed the statement as a strategic effort by Among to maintain influence and goodwill within political circles while gracefully accepting the new leadership arrangement at the House.
Meanwhile, social media platforms were flooded with mixed reactions from Ugandans discussing the significance of the leadership change and what it could mean for the future direction of Parliament.
Some commentators praised Anita Among for demonstrating respect for democratic processes and choosing reconciliation over political confrontation following the conclusion of the vote.
Others, however, continued debating her legacy as Speaker, with discussions resurfacing regarding both her achievements and controversies during her time leading Parliament.
The election of Oboth-Oboth and Tayebwa is expected to usher in a new chapter for Uganda’s legislature, with the pair now tasked with balancing political interests while advancing national legislative priorities.
Political analysts believe Oboth-Oboth’s leadership style will likely be closely scrutinized in the coming months as Ugandans assess whether Parliament will become more transparent, responsive, and focused on accountability.
Thomas Tayebwa’s continued presence in the top leadership structure has also attracted attention, with many observers seeing him as an experienced figure expected to provide continuity and institutional stability.
As discussions around the transition continue, many citizens are hoping the new parliamentary leadership will prioritize issues affecting ordinary Ugandans, including economic challenges, unemployment, healthcare, and corruption.
The atmosphere at Kololo during the election was described as tense but orderly, reflecting the significance of the moment and the intense interest surrounding the selection of the country’s new legislative leadership.
For Anita Among, the public statement marked an important moment of transition from leadership to elder statesmanship within parliamentary politics, while also reaffirming her continued interest in the institution she once led.
As Uganda’s 12th Parliament officially begins its new chapter under Oboth-Oboth and Tayebwa, all eyes will now be on how the new leaders fulfill the expectations placed upon them and whether they can unite Parliament in serving the country’s broader national interests.
