By BM
Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among is inching closer to clinching the powerful position of Second National Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), as signs of political vulnerability begin to show around her rival, former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
At her final Central Executive Committee (CEC) campaign event held at Parliament on Monday, Among delivered a rousing address to an audience of local government speakers, councilors, and political mobilizers many of whom have publicly thrown their support behind her.
“I offered myself, and I am still offering myself,” Among declared with confidence. “And we are going to win, by God’s grace.”
Among revealed that her decision to join the CEC race was not self-initiated, but a response to a formal resolution passed by speakers from Uganda’s local government councils, who approached her seeking representation at the top levels of the ruling party.
“It is this body of speakers who believed in me and sold the idea to me… They came and met me in my office and requested me to stand.”
Dismissing Propaganda, Defending Her Record
In a spirited defense of her record as Speaker of Parliament, Among responded to accusations that she blocked salary increments for local government leaders, claims she described as misleading and politically motivated.
“Why shouldn’t it be Anita? Why not?” she challenged. “You know the processes. Do you initiate budgets? No. That is the responsibility of the executive.”
Among clarified that budget formulation, including provisions for speaker and councilor salaries, originates from the Ministry of Local Government and the broader executive arm, not Parliament.
She pledged to follow up directly with President Yoweri Museveni and the responsible ministries to ensure salary enhancements are prioritized.
“The President has goodwill for local government,” she said. “Once we present your petition officially, I will ensure it’s discussed with the President.”
The petition from the Uganda Local Government Association (OLGA) addressed issues ranging from salary enhancement, inclusion of deputy speakers on payroll, and logistical challenges in monitoring government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
Mobilizing the Grassroots
Kenneth Owa, the Chairperson of the Uganda District Council Speakers Association, used the event to publicly endorse Among’s bid, calling it a “project initiated by the grassroots.”
“Madam Speaker, the war is already won,” Owa declared. “This is our project. We are going to support you, and we are going to deliver results.”
He also appealed to her to secure a meeting between local government leaders and President Museveni, to bridge the communication gap between central and local levels of governance.
“The President has never met the speakers. You are now our voice. Help us access him so that he hears our issues directly.”
Owa’s remarks were echoed by other leaders, who cited Among’s support in reviving their SACCOs, backing legislation that protects national values, and providing consistent leadership even during politically sensitive periods.
“You supported the Anti-Homosexuality Act even when others distanced themselves. We are proud of you,” said one leader.
Unapologetic Patriotism and Party Loyalty
Among doubled down on her controversial stance regarding the Anti-Homosexuality Act, defending it as a moral and sovereign duty despite facing international sanctions and personal attacks.
“I passed that law. I was castigated. I am still being labeled. But I will do whatever it takes to protect the sovereignty and integrity of this country,” she said defiantly. “No amount of blackmail is going to derail me.”
She reminded attendees that loyalty to Uganda and the ruling party comes before all else.
“I am here for Uganda. I love my country. And I love NRM. This party has given us everything, including democracy.”
Among went on to thank President Museveni for allowing an open contest within the party, noting that without his democratic posture, she may have been blocked from running.
“We the babies in the party have been allowed to compete. And I thank the President for his patience and love for democracy.”
A Candidacy Rooted in Strategy, Not Ambition
In her concluding remarks, Among emphasized that her desire to join the CEC is not about personal gain or prestige, but about aligning Parliament more closely with NRM’s long-term vision and mission.
“I want to be a better Speaker, one who legislates with a clear understanding of what the party wants,” she explained. “We cannot play to the gallery. We must legislate in line with NRM.”
She encouraged local government leaders to return to their districts and own the campaign, reminding them that success at the national level directly impacts their ability to negotiate for resources and representation.
“You can’t negotiate with someone who is not in the field. As long as I am still in this race, I will work for you. After that, I will step aside when my term is done, but I will never stop serving the party.”
The Stakes Are Clear
Among’s campaign has gained significant traction within NRM’s grassroots machinery.
Her ability to mobilize speakers and district-level leadership gives her a distinct advantage over her rival, Kadaga, who now appears to be losing grip on a role she once considered her stronghold.
If the tone and turnout of the final event are any indication, Anita Among is poised to reshape the CEC—and perhaps, the party’s future direction itself. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
