Anita Among Confirms She’s Carrying Uganda’s Cross

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has said she believes she has carried what she described as Uganda’s “cross” in defense of the country’s cultural and moral values during her first term in office. The Speaker, who is seeking reelection to continue leading Parliament, argued that her tenure has been marked by difficult decisions taken in what she considers the national interest.

Among made the remarks while addressing attendees at a Women’s Day Breakfast meeting held at Parliament, where she reflected on some of the most controversial moments of her leadership.

In particular, she referenced the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, a law that drew widespread international attention and criticism but which she said represented a defense of Uganda’s traditions and values.

According to Among, her role in championing the legislation came with personal and political costs. She noted that several Western governments and activists who identify as progressive strongly criticized the law, with some describing it as one of the harshest pieces of legislation targeting homosexuality anywhere in the world. As a result, she said, she faced sanctions from some countries for supporting the bill.

Despite the backlash, Among maintained that she acted out of a conviction that she was safeguarding the principles and cultural beliefs of Ugandans.

She recalled the tense atmosphere that surrounded the debate and passage of the law in Parliament. At the time, she said, many people were reluctant to be seen publicly associating with her because of fears that they too could face repercussions.

“When we were passing the anti-homose*uality bill, everybody was fearing even to move near me, because they thought they would also be attacked like I was attacked,” she said.

“I was sanctioned for the good of this country. I protected the values and the traditions of this country.”

Among, who also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, said she remains steadfast and prepared to continue defending what she believes to be the country’s moral direction, regardless of external pressure.

Speaking to supporters at the gathering, she framed her actions as a form of sacrifice made on behalf of the nation. She emphasized that even though sanctions were imposed against her by foreign governments, they would not deter her commitment to her constituents and to Uganda.

“I carried the cross for the good of this country and I am ready still to carry it. I do not mind about the sanctions. When I am going to Bukedea, I do not need a passport or a visa, I just go,” she noted.

“But what matters to me is: are we serving humanity? Are we doing the rightful thing as per the biblical teaching?”

Her comments come months after the United Kingdom Government imposed sanctions on her over alleged corruption and concerns related to the controversial legislation. The sanctions sparked intense public debate within Uganda, including speculation about whether the Speaker owned property in London.

Among dismissed those claims at the time, insisting that she had no assets in the United Kingdom and jokingly stating that she did not even own a cat there. The remarks became widely circulated in local political discussions as supporters and critics debated the implications of the sanctions.

As she campaigns for another term as Speaker, Among has continued to position herself as a leader willing to withstand international pressure in order to defend what she describes as Uganda’s identity, values, and sovereignty. Her comments at the Women’s Day event reinforced that message, portraying her leadership as one defined by resilience and a willingness to shoulder controversy for what she believes is the greater good of the country.