Anita Among’s Political Fall Deepens as Oboth-Oboth Takes Charge of Uganda’s 12th Parliament
The election of Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth as Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has marked a dramatic turning point in the country’s political landscape, signaling the sharp decline of former Speaker Anita Among.
Just weeks ago, Among appeared firmly positioned to retain the powerful office after reportedly securing backing from the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), one of the party’s highest decision-making organs. Her influence within Uganda’s political establishment had grown significantly since becoming Deputy Speaker in 2021 and later Speaker in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah.
However, a sudden shift in political momentum has left Among facing an uncertain future.
Anita Among’s Future After Losing the Speakership
Political observers are now questioning what lies ahead for Among after her exclusion from both the speakership and the newly announced Cabinet. Analysts say her future could largely depend on the next political steps taken by President Yoweri Museveni.
Reports indicate that Museveni had allegedly encouraged Among to withdraw from the speakership race, with claims she could have been considered for a Cabinet role had she stepped aside earlier. However, she reportedly remained in the contest, triggering growing political pressure and intensified scrutiny from state agencies.
Political commentator Andrew Mwenda argued that Museveni has historically rehabilitated political figures after sidelining them.
“I think he can still appoint her to Cabinet,” Mwenda reportedly said during a political podcast discussion with media personalities Robert Kabushenga and Charles Onyango-Obbo.
Despite those suggestions, Among was absent from the latest Cabinet appointments, leaving her to continue as Bukedea District Woman MP — a position some analysts believe could also face challenges amid allegations surrounding her unopposed election.
Corruption Investigations and Political Pressure
Among’s political troubles are also linked to ongoing corruption and abuse of office allegations. While no final legal outcome has been announced, sources close to the developments say investigations could intensify in the coming months.
Some political insiders believe the changing power dynamics within Uganda’s ruling establishment, including the growing influence of Muhoozi Kainerugaba, played a major role in Among’s political downfall.
“This was a political massacre,” one former MP reportedly said anonymously, describing the speed at which Among’s support network collapsed.
The developments have sparked wider debate about the future of political alliances within the NRM and the shifting centers of influence ahead of future electoral battles.
Oboth-Oboth Promises Corruption-Free Parliament
Meanwhile, newly elected Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth has pledged to restore public trust in Parliament by promoting transparency, accountability and discipline.
During voting held at Kololo Independence Grounds, Oboth-Oboth secured 441 votes out of 518 cast, defeating Paul Mwiru of the National Unity Platform and Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party.
Following his swearing-in ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, the new Speaker pledged to lead a Parliament focused on integrity and effective oversight.
“We cannot demand accountability from others if we are not accountable in the use of public resources,” Oboth-Oboth said in his inaugural address.
He further promised stricter parliamentary discipline, evidence-based debate and stronger oversight mechanisms aimed at preventing misuse of public funds before scandals emerge.
A New Era for Uganda’s Parliament
Oboth-Oboth’s rise comes at a time when Parliament faces mounting public scrutiny over governance, accountability and corruption concerns. His leadership style is expected to differ significantly from that of Among, whose critics often accused her of favoring executive interests over parliamentary neutrality.
A trained lawyer, Oboth-Oboth brings extensive legislative and legal experience, having previously served as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, chairperson of several parliamentary committees and State Attorney under the Ministry of Justice.
His election is now being viewed as the beginning of a new political chapter in Uganda’s Parliament, while Anita Among’s next move remains one of the country’s biggest political questions.
