The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, the current Speaker, has rejected claims that she rose to the position by accident, saying her election by 415 MPs proves otherwise.
Speaking at the Women’s Day Breakfast at Parliament ahead of International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026, Among argued that the label “accidental Speaker” is misleading.
“There is no school for training for Speaker of Parliament,” she said. “And there is no accidental Speaker of Parliament. The so-called accidental Speaker was voted by 415 Members of Parliament. Because of that, she automatically became the Speaker.”
Among continued: “By God’s grace, I will be the Speaker of the 12th Parliament..Thomas Tayebwa will be the deputy Speaker.”
The Speaker’s remarks came in response to comments by Norbert Mao, President General of the Democratic Party, who last month described Uganda as having an “accidental Speaker” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
Mao argued that Among assumed office due to unforeseen circumstances rather than as part of a long-term parliamentary leadership plan.
Oulanyah passed away in 2022 while in office, prompting Parliament to elect a new Speaker according to constitutional procedures. Among, who had been serving as Deputy Speaker, was subsequently elected.
Despite endorsement from President Yoweri Museveni to retain her position, Among faces a closely watched speakership race. Mao has also expressed interest in the position.