Inside the NRM Showdown That Forced Anita Annet Among Out of the Speakership Race

Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere has publicly praised Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among for stepping away from the increasingly contentious race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, describing the move as a sign of political maturity and loyalty to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Nameere’s remarks came shortly after Among officially announced that she would no longer seek to retain the powerful parliamentary position, a decision that has triggered intense political debate within the ruling party and across Uganda’s political landscape.

In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, Nameere suggested that Among had finally embraced earlier counsel from senior party figures and aligned herself with the direction reportedly preferred by President Yoweri Museveni and top NRM leadership.

“Thank you, Rt. Hon. Speaker, for considering my advice and acting on the guidance of H.E. the President and the leaders you caucused with on this matter. For your contributions, may God bless and reward you. For any shortcomings, may we all strive to do better. NRM juuu,” Nameere posted.

The comments immediately fueled fresh discussion within political circles, with analysts interpreting them as evidence of behind-the-scenes negotiations and mounting pressure that may have influenced Among’s dramatic withdrawal from the race.

Among’s announcement, made Sunday night through a statement posted on X, effectively ended weeks of uncertainty over her political future amid reports of internal disagreements within the NRM and ongoing investigations that had intensified scrutiny around her leadership.

“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated.

The Speaker said the decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection,” adding that her choice was intended to preserve “harmony and clarity” within the ruling party as preparations for the next Parliament gather momentum.

Her withdrawal is widely seen as a major political turning point within the NRM, particularly because she had remained publicly silent for days despite growing reports that influential party figures had shifted their support to Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth.

The developments gained even greater significance after President Museveni reportedly endorsed Oboth for the speakership position, a move that political observers say fundamentally altered the dynamics of the race and signaled the direction the ruling establishment wanted to take ahead of the 12th Parliament.

Despite stepping aside, Among used her statement to reaffirm her loyalty to both the President and the NRM, emphasizing that party unity remained more important than individual political ambitions.

“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party,” she said.

She further called upon Members of Parliament to rally behind the official party position once candidates are formally unveiled, signaling her intention to remain aligned with the ruling party’s strategic decisions moving forward.

The latest developments come at a politically sensitive moment for the NRM as internal competition intensifies ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament. Analysts say Among’s withdrawal could help ease tensions within the party, although it also raises new questions about shifting alliances, succession calculations, and the growing influence of State House in determining key parliamentary leadership positions.

Nameere’s public endorsement of Among’s decision is also likely to attract attention because of her earlier criticism and warnings regarding the speakership contest. Her latest comments appear to indicate an attempt to project party cohesion after weeks of speculation, internal lobbying, and reported divisions among senior NRM figures.

With Among now officially out of the race, attention is expected to shift fully toward the candidates likely to receive formal endorsement from President Museveni and the NRM caucus as Uganda moves closer to ushering in the next Parliament.