In a historic political development that brings a dramatic conclusion to the intense battle for the leadership of the 12th Parliament, incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among has officially withdrawn from the speakership race.
Among’s decision to bow out comes after a high-stakes weekend marked by heavy security deployment, political isolation, and a 24-hour surveillance operation at her private residence in Nakasero by elite operatives of the Special Forces Command (SFC).
In a statement issued late Sunday night, May 17, 2026, Among announced that she would not be seeking re-election when Members of Parliament convene to vote on May 25.
Sources close to the presidency reveal that the Speaker accepted a “soft landing” arrangement negotiated by top state actors, aimed at preventing a direct and highly polarizing floor fight within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
As part of the concession, Among has explicitly pledged her full cooperation with ongoing investigations being handled by state anti-corruption and forensic agencies.
The probe is reportedly focusing on accountability issues within the legislature, her extensive financial mobilization networks, and the public controversy surrounding the recent procurement of a luxury Rolls-Royce vehicle valued at Shs3.4 billion. In her statement, she noted that her commitment to institutional transparency remains absolute and that she welcomes any audit that helps clear her name.
Her sudden withdrawal paves a clear path for Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth, who was publicly endorsed on Friday by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the powerful Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
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The movement, which commands the loyalty of over 300 legislators, had aggressively campaigned against Among’s bid, framing the contest as a moral cleanup of the legislative arm of government.
While Among’s supporters maintain that she initially held the official endorsement of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), her exit effectively marks a total victory for the military-linked PLU faction and aligns the parliamentary leadership with the newly sworn-in executive.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who was previously described by Gen. Muhoozi as protected, is now widely expected to sail through to retain his seat or form a unified leadership team with Oboth-Oboth as the 12th Parliament transitions into its new term.
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