Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has strongly defended her political record as competition for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament begins to intensify. Speaking during a Women’s Day breakfast meeting at Parliament, Among fired back at critics who have questioned her contribution to the ruling party.
Among used the opportunity to remind political opponents that her role in mobilizing support for the government should not be ignored. According to her, she spent years travelling across the country campaigning and seeking votes for the leadership of Yoweri Museveni and the ruling party.
Her remarks come at a time when debate about the leadership of Parliament has intensified ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament. Several politicians have expressed interest in the Speakership, creating political tension and competition within the ruling circles.
Among told the gathering that some critics often question her political background and loyalty to the ruling National Resistance Movement. She said many of them argue that she did not participate in the bush war that brought the party to power.
The guerrilla struggle, which took place mainly in the Luwero Triangle during the early 1980s, remains an important historical moment for the NRM. Many leaders who fought in that war often highlight their participation as proof of their dedication to the movement.
However, Among insisted that contribution to the party should not only be measured by who fought in the bush war. She said there are many ways leaders have supported the movement over the years.
According to her, mobilizing voters, campaigning for candidates, and strengthening party structures across the country are also major contributions that should not be overlooked.
“When I was moving in the whole country looking for votes for President Museveni, where were you?” Among asked while addressing the gathering.
She said her political work involved travelling to many parts of Uganda to campaign for the ruling party and its candidates. Through this work, she said, she helped strengthen the party’s support among voters.
Among also noted that many of the leaders who now criticize her were among those she helped during elections. She said she spent time and energy helping them secure votes in their constituencies.
According to the Speaker, political loyalty should not be questioned simply because someone did not participate in the historic war. She said what matters most is the contribution leaders continue to make to the country and the party.
Her remarks also came amid ongoing criticism from Norbert Mao, the leader of the Democratic Party, who recently described her as an “accidental Speaker.”
Mao made the remarks while discussing how Among became Speaker following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in 2022. His comments sparked debate within political circles about the legitimacy of her leadership.
Responding to the criticism, Among maintained that her leadership was not accidental. She pointed out that she was elected by a large majority of Members of Parliament.
According to her, more than 400 MPs voted for her during the election for Speaker. She said this overwhelming support clearly shows that her leadership was a decision made by the House.
Among also expressed confidence that she will retain the Speakership in the 12th Parliament. She told the gathering that she believes she still has strong support among Members of Parliament.
She further reaffirmed her partnership with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. The two leaders have worked closely during the 11th Parliament and are expected to run again for the same positions.
Among referred to herself as “Triple A” and Tayebwa as “Double T,” saying she believes the two will continue leading Parliament if given another opportunity.
At the same event, Tayebwa also encouraged legislators to support the current leadership team. He said continuity in leadership could help Parliament maintain stability and build on the work already done.
He noted that the 11th Parliament has recorded a relatively high number of returning Members of Parliament compared to previous legislatures. According to him, this experience can help strengthen legislative work.
Political observers say the competition for the Speakership could become one of the most closely watched political battles as the 12th Parliament prepares to begin its work.
Despite the criticism and growing political competition, Among remains confident that her record, political mobilization, and support within Parliament will help her secure another term as Speaker.
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