Francis Zaake Says He Will Welcome Anita Among to Committee He Now Chairs
Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake has pledged to put political differences aside after finding himself in an unexpected leadership position over former Speaker Anita Annet Among, saying he will welcome her to the Parliamentary committee he now chairs and demonstrate what he believes is principled leadership.
The development marks a dramatic shift in Uganda’s political landscape. Just two years ago, Among presided over the parliamentary process that removed Zaake from the Parliamentary Commission—a decision the outspoken opposition legislator has consistently described as politically motivated.
Now serving as Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Government Assurance and Implementation, Zaake will oversee a committee on which Among serves as a member.
Rather than seeking revenge, Zaake says he intends to lead with fairness and respect.
“I sincerely welcome her. Circumstances change, and so do positions. The person you lead today may one day lead you. That is why humility should always guide leadership,” Zaake said.
Zaake Promises Leadership Based on Rules, Not Revenge
Speaking about the new parliamentary arrangement, Zaake said his leadership would be guided by the same parliamentary rules that were used during his removal from the Parliamentary Commission.
He stressed that he would not use his new authority to settle political scores.
“I want to demonstrate the kind of leadership Parliament deserves,” he said, adding that he would encourage Among to attend committee meetings and comply with parliamentary procedures.
According to Zaake, the former Speaker understands the rules because she presided over the House that adopted them.
Questions Credibility of the 2026 General Election
The National Unity Platform (NUP) legislator also criticized Uganda’s 2026 General Election, arguing that it fell short of democratic standards.
Zaake claimed the election was characterized by violence, arrests, voter intimidation, and technical failures involving biometric voting systems, particularly in his Mityana Municipality constituency.
He further alleged that one person died before the declaration of results and said the incident had never been fully investigated.
Despite the challenges, Zaake credited his supporters for defending his victory.
“The people stood with me. They campaigned, protected the vote, and remained firm until my victory was declared,” he said.
New Committee Role Focused on Government Accountability
Zaake described his appointment as Chairperson of the Committee on Government Assurance and Implementation as both an honor and a responsibility.
He thanked the National Unity Platform leadership for entrusting him with the role, saying it provides an opportunity to hold the government accountable for commitments made to Ugandans.
Among his priorities are:
- Demanding accountability over the conduct of the 2026 elections.
- Following up on the publication of all Declaration of Results (DR) forms.
- Monitoring government promises made on the floor of Parliament.
- Tracking delayed and incomplete road infrastructure projects.
- Ensuring ministries implement commitments approved by Parliament.
Zaake emphasized that the committee’s responsibility is to ensure government promises are translated into action.
Challenges Ahead With NRM Majority on Committee
Despite leading the committee, Zaake acknowledged that the opposition faces an uphill battle because it holds only two seats.
His deputy is Ann Ebaju Adeke of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), while the remaining members belong to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Even so, Zaake expressed optimism that cooperation would prevail.
“We are yet to hold our first meeting. I am prepared to work with everyone and ensure the committee performs its oversight role effectively,” he said.
Determined to Complete His Leadership Term
Zaake also reflected on his previous removal from parliamentary leadership, insisting he is not motivated by fear.
He said surviving political persecution and other challenges has strengthened his resolve to continue serving Ugandans.
“I believe I was born for a purpose. Whatever happens, I will continue standing for what I believe is right,” he said.
The legislator praised the committee’s history, noting that former MP Odonga Otto helped establish its reputation as one of Parliament’s most influential oversight committees.
Calls for Humility in Political Leadership
Commenting on the unexpected political reversal that now places him in a leadership role over Anita Among, Zaake said the situation should remind all leaders that power is temporary.
“It is a lesson in humility,” he said.
“The person who is your subordinate today could become your superior tomorrow. Leaders should always treat others with fairness and respect.”
Zaake Vows to Continue Speaking Out
Looking ahead to Uganda’s 12th Parliament, Zaake insisted his political approach would remain unchanged.
He said he would continue speaking out against injustice, defending democratic principles, and advocating for accountability regardless of political pressure.
“I will remain the same Zaake. I will continue standing my ground, raising issues that matter to Ugandans, and ensuring our voices are heard. We will not grow tired of demanding accountability.”
