Anita Among Assigned to Committee Chaired by Francis Zaake in Dramatic Parliamentary Twist

KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has been appointed to serve on the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation, where she will work under the leadership of Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, marking a dramatic shift in one of Uganda’s most contentious political rivalries.

The committee appointments, announced by Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, place Among, the Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, as an ordinary member of the committee chaired by Zaake. Soroti Woman MP Anna Adeke will serve as the committee’s vice chairperson.

Among and Zaake Reunited in New Parliamentary Roles

The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation is responsible for monitoring government pledges, policy commitments, and undertakings made on the floor of Parliament, ensuring that ministries, departments, and agencies fulfill their obligations.

The new appointments represent a significant political reversal. Until earlier this year, Among presided over Parliament as Speaker, while Zaake was one of the most outspoken opposition lawmakers frequently challenging her leadership.

Now, the former Speaker will serve as a committee member under Zaake’s chairmanship in the 12th Parliament.

Longstanding Political Rivalry

The relationship between Among and Zaake has been marked by years of political confrontation, disciplinary proceedings, and public disagreements.

During Among’s tenure as Speaker, Zaake repeatedly accused the leadership of Parliament of failing to protect opposition legislators and allowing what he described as intimidation and violence against government critics.

Their political clashes became particularly prominent following several high-profile incidents inside Parliament.

Zaake’s History of Parliamentary Confrontations

Zaake first gained national attention during the heated September 2017 debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, widely known as the “Togikwatako” bill, which sought to remove the presidential age limit.

The debate descended into chaos as security personnel entered the parliamentary chamber and forcefully removed opposition MPs resisting the bill’s tabling.

Zaake sustained injuries during the confrontation and later received medical treatment.

Years later, in November 2024, the Mityana Municipality legislator was again involved in a violent incident inside Parliament after he was punched by Kilak North MP Anthony Akol during proceedings.

The assault left Zaake bleeding, prompting renewed criticism of Parliament’s leadership and security arrangements.

Removal and Court Victory

The political conflict escalated in March 2022 when Parliament voted by secret ballot to remove Zaake from the Parliamentary Commission following recommendations by the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline.

Lawmakers accused him of misconduct over social media comments directed at Among, with 155 MPs voting in favor of his removal.

However, the Constitutional Court overturned the decision in September 2023, ruling that Parliament had failed to meet the constitutional quorum required to pass the resolution.

The judgment restored Zaake’s legal position as Parliamentary Commissioner.

NUP Dispute Over Parliamentary Commission

Another dispute emerged in March 2024 when the National Unity Platform (NUP) resolved to replace then Parliamentary Commissioner Mathias Mpuuga with Zaake following controversy surrounding service award payments.

Speaker Among declined to implement the party’s resolution, arguing that Parliamentary Commissioners are elected by Parliament rather than appointed by political parties, and therefore could not be replaced through a party decision alone.

The disagreement further strained relations between the Speaker and the opposition.

Parliament Announces Wider Committee Changes

The latest committee reshuffle includes several other notable changes across Parliament.

Among’s husband, Budiope East MP Moses Magogo, has been transferred from the influential Budget Committee, where he served for the past five years, to the Human Rights Committee.

Meanwhile, Kachumbala County MP Patrick Isiagi, who is Among’s uncle, was also removed from the Budget Committee.

The committee reassignments are part of Parliament’s reorganisation of oversight committees for the new session, with both the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition parties reallocating legislators to strengthen committee work.

Key Standing Committee Leadership

Among the newly announced committee leadership are:

• Government Assurances and Implementation: Francis Zaake (Chairperson), Anna Adeke (Vice Chairperson)
• Budget Committee: Amos Kankunda (Chairperson), Dr. Tom Aliti Candia (Vice Chairperson)
• Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE): Muwadda Nkunyingi (Chairperson), George Musisi (Vice Chairperson)
• Public Accounts Committee (Central Government): Patrick Nsamba Oshabe (Chairperson), Sarah Lwansasula (Vice Chairperson)
• Public Accounts Committee (Local Government): Betty Nambooze (Chairperson), Abdul Nasser Mudiobole (Vice Chairperson)
• Rules, Privileges and Discipline: Fred Ruhindi (Chairperson), Swaibu Abdu Kampanya (Vice Chairperson)
• Human Rights Committee: Wilson Kajwengye (Chairperson), Lydia Mirembe (Vice Chairperson)

The committee appointments are expected to shape parliamentary oversight and accountability during the first half of the 12th Parliament’s term, with the new committees serving for two and a half years.