Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has officially withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, marking her first public statement since investigations into corruption and illicit enrichment allegations against her began.
In a statement shared on her X account on Sunday night, Among said she had decided not to contest for the position after “wide consultations and deep introspection.”
“I wish to draw the attention of the public to the matters regarding the Speakership race. After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the NRM, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated.
She expressed gratitude to President Museveni, the ruling National Resistance Movement, and Members of Parliament for entrusting her with leadership responsibilities during the 11th Parliament.
“I am greatly indebted to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, my party, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker,” she said.
Among also thanked her family and close associates for standing by her during what she described as a difficult period.
“I am equally indebted to my family and friends for the solidarity and support they have extended to me over the last five years,” she added.
The former Speaker pledged support for candidates who will eventually be endorsed by both President Museveni and the NRM party leadership.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party, and implore all colleague MPs of the 12th Parliament to do the same,” she noted.
Among further said she remains available for any future assignment by the party and the President.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she stated.
On the ongoing investigations, Among said she was willing to cooperate fully with authorities.
“In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she said.
Her announcement comes days after the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly endorsed Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Member of Parliament-elect for West Budama Central County, as the incoming Speaker of Parliament.
The development also comes at a time when there are ongoing investigations by joint security agencies against Among over allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, and money laundering.
