Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has officially withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, saying the decision was reached after consultations and introspection aimed at preserving harmony within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In a statement released on Sunday, Among said she would not offer herself for the Speakership position and pledged full support to candidates who will be endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM party.
“After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the NRM, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among said.
The development comes amid growing political speculation surrounding the leadership of the next Parliament following the conclusion of the 11th Parliament term.
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Among used the statement to thank President Museveni, the NRM leadership and Members of Parliament for entrusting her with the offices of Deputy Speaker and later Speaker over the past five years.
“I am greatly indebted to H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, my party, the NRM, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker,” she said.
She also extended appreciation to her family, friends and political supporters for standing with her throughout her tenure.
The outgoing Speaker further pledged cooperation with ongoing investigations being conducted by state agencies regarding allegations that have recently emerged against her.
“In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” Among stated.
Although she did not disclose her next political move, Among said she remains available to serve the country in any capacity assigned to her by the President and the ruling party.
“I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me,” she added.
Her withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape the contest for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, with attention now shifting to possible candidates likely to receive endorsement from the NRM Central Executive structures and President Museveni.
