In a move that reflects both political resilience and defiance, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has picked nomination forms to seek re-election as the Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket. Her move comes at a politically charged moment, with her speakership under intense scrutiny amid multiple accusations of authoritarian leadership and financial mismanagemen
Speaker Among’s decision to personally collect the nomination forms from the NRM headquarters in Kampala today sends a clear message: she is not backing down. This comes just days after a leaked audio recording surfaced, in which she allegedly directed opposition MPs to seek her approval before assigning independent MPs to any parliamentary roles—a move critics say undermines legislative independence and reinforces her alleged grip on Parliament.
In her remarks, Among maintained her loyalty to the party and her constituents, saying, “I wanted to do it myself; I never wanted to call anyone to register my name on my behalf.” Her public appearance was calculated and deliberate—a show of strength despite the swelling chorus of discontent
While the audio leak has dominated headlines, it is far from the only controversy dogging her tenure. Critics argue that her time as Speaker has been marred by institutional failings, opaque spending, and poor accountability. Chief among the concerns is the stalled completion of the new Parliamentary Chambers. Despite years of construction and substantial budget allocations, the structure remains incomplete, with no clear explanation for the delays or the ballooning costs.
In addition, allegations of unaccounted-for funds continue to haunt her regime. Reports from agencies and opposition voices allege that large sums of money have been allocated under the guise of parliamentary operations, with minimal transparency on how these funds have been utilized. These financial irregularities, compounded by public dissatisfaction, have painted her leadership as increasingly detached from principles of good governance and accountability
Despite the controversies, Speaker Among retains the firm backing of President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC). Museveni recently brushed off the accusations as coordinated attacks from “traitors working for foreigners,” and reaffirmed his trust in Among’s leadership. This political cover, while stabilizing in the short term, has only deepened skepticism from civil society and the opposition, who view it as a signal that impunity continues to thrive at the highest levels of government.
Despite the storm in Kampala, Among remains popular in her home district of Bukedea. Her grassroots programs—including funding of local saving groups and poverty alleviation initiatives—have earned her strong local backing. She continues to emphasize that her development work speaks for itself, even as critics argue that her national leadership is falling short
As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, Anita Among’s candidacy is shaping up to be one of the most polarizing. While she projects strength and loyalty to the ruling party, the growing list of scandals under her speakership casts a shadow on her legacy. The juxtaposition of her local development efforts with the national controversies highlights the duality of her political brand—admired in Bukedea, embattled in Parliament.
Whether voters will reward her defiance or reject her amid mounting allegations remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Speaker Anita Among is not retreating quietly
