Embattled outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
In a statement released shortly before midnight on Sunday, Among said she would no longer contest for the Speakership after what she described as “wide consultations and deep introspection.”
She said the decision was aimed at preserving unity and stability within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I will not be offering myself for the position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament,” Among said, adding that she remains committed to supporting the party and Parliament.
The accountant-turned-lawyer thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM leadership, and Members of Parliament for entrusting her with leadership positions over the past five years, during which she served first as Deputy Speaker before becoming Speaker.
Among called on incoming legislators to unite behind the NRM party position as preparations for the 12th Parliament continue.
Her announcement came just hours after security agencies carried out coordinated operations at her homes as part of investigations into alleged corruption and claims of illicit enrichment.
Among’s official X account had remained silent since May 13, while several of her close aides also avoided public comment as the investigations unfolded.
Sources familiar with the matter say the probe was authorised at the highest levels of government.
Security officers and detectives spent several hours searching the properties, with access to the compounds heavily restricted throughout Sunday evening.
At her Kigo residence, a police flatbed truck arrived at around 7:15pm and later left empty at about 8:45pm as investigators continued operations inside the compound.
