Speaker Anita Among
As of last evening, it is safe to say former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has fallen. In a post on X, she announced her withdrawal from the speakership race, ending a powerful but controversial tenure at the top of the legislature. Once one of the most influential figures in Ugandan politics, Among rose rapidly and, in the process, made enemies across the political spectrum. She remains Bukedea Woman MP and NRM Vice Chairperson (Female), but her grip on national power has significantly weakened.
Below are some of the politicians and actors seen as beneficiaries of her downfall.
Namuganza
Bukono County MP Persis Namuganza is widely viewed as one of the biggest political winners. Their feud dates back to when Namuganza’s husband served as Makindye Division town clerk and handled Among’s attempts to formalise her marriage to FUFA president Moses Magogo. Among reportedly submitted paperwork but refused to appear in person as required, a move Namuganza interpreted as disrespectful and belittling. Relations never recovered, and the two became sworn rivals. Namuganza’s decision to express interest in the speakership as Among sought re-election underlined the depth of their rift. Among’s exit from the race now hands Namuganza a symbolic victory.
Kadaga
Former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga also emerges as a quiet winner. Kadaga, who previously served as NRM Vice Chairperson (Female), was displaced by Among despite believing it was premature for a relatively new NRM convert—who had joined from the FDC roughly a decade earlier—to take one of the party’s top positions. Although Kadaga fought back, she ultimately lost the internal contest. Among’s fall is therefore seen in some circles as vindication for Kadaga, reinforcing the view that her own removal was politically engineered and that her successor failed to consolidate lasting legitimacy. Former Gender Minister Betty Amongi is another figure likely watching events with satisfaction. The ex-Oyam South MP faced Among’s political muscle during the 2026 polls when she contested in Lira City against incumbent Jane Aceng. Among is believed to have played a key role in ensuring Amongi’s defeat, which sharpened tensions between the two women. Since that bruising contest, Amongi has reportedly never forgiven Among. Today, as Among’s influence wanes, Amongi and her allies may see an opening to reassert themselves in Lango and within national political circles.
Oulanyah
In Omoro County, Ojok Oulanyah, son of the late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, has long represented a constituency that still harbours deep questions about his father’s death in 2022. Jacob Oulanyah died under unclear circumstances while Among was his deputy. Some in the Oulanyah family have quietly suggested that the forces that undermined him came from those closest to him at the time. While no formal evidence has been produced to support these suspicions, Among’s fall is viewed by many of Oulanyah’s supporters as a form of delayed justice for a family that feels wronged by the political establishment.
Otai
Opposition figure Norma Otai, the former FDC candidate for Bukedea Woman MP, is also likely celebrating. Otai had been set to challenge Among directly, but her name reportedly failed to appear on the voters’ register, and other aspirants were deregistered under controversial circumstances. The episode fuelled allegations of electoral manipulation in Bukedea, with Among cast as the chief beneficiary. With Among now weakened, Otai and other opposition actors may see a renewed chance to mobilise in Bukedea and revisit past grievances over what they view as a compromised electoral process.
Kagingo
Communications specialist Sarah Kagingo counts among the technocrats affected by Among’s rise. When Jacob Oulanyah became Speaker in 2021, Kagingo was hired by Parliament to lead communications. However, following Oulanyah’s death and Among’s elevation to Speaker, she was removed from that strategic role and reassigned to the Library department, a move widely interpreted as a demotion. She eventually resigned. Among’s downfall thus resonates beyond politicians, symbolising a turning point for professionals who felt pushed out or sidelined under her leadership.
As Parliament and the ruling NRM regroup in the wake of Among’s withdrawal from the speakership race, the shifting fortunes of her allies and adversaries highlight the high stakes of political power in Uganda. For some, her exit marks long-awaited payback; for others, it opens a new, uncertain chapter in the contest for influence at the heart of the state.
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