Shock Inside NRM: Among Boycotts Crucial CEC Talks Over Security Fears

Political tensions within Uganda’s ruling party deepened over the weekend after reports emerged that outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among declined an invitation from President Yoweri Museveni to attend a high-level National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, citing fears over her safety and restrictions on her movement.

Sources familiar with the developments say the NRM leadership convened at least two separate CEC meetings to deliberate on the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions for the incoming 12th Parliament. However, Among — who serves as the ruling party’s Second National Vice Chairperson — was notably absent from both meetings.

According to reports, President Museveni, who doubles as the NRM national chairman, personally instructed NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Tanga Odoi to ensure that Among was invited despite the mounting investigations surrounding her.

But insiders claim the embattled politician turned down the request and allegedly asked Todwong and Odoi to relay a direct message to the President — that she no longer felt secure enough to physically attend such a sensitive party gathering.

Her reported refusal has added a dramatic twist to an already explosive political atmosphere surrounding the transition of parliamentary leadership.

The developments come amid an intensifying security crackdown targeting properties and assets linked to Among. In recent days, several luxury vehicles believed to belong to the former Speaker, alongside official vehicles attached to the Office of the Speaker, were reportedly removed from her possession.

Sources indicate that the privately owned vehicles were taken to police headquarters, while government vehicles assigned to Parliament were returned to parliamentary parking yards.

The removal of the vehicles is said to have significantly affected her movements and heightened fears within her inner circle.

“These people [security] have made it hard for her to live freely. Yes, she was invited, but what car will she use? They took all her cars. She gave Parliament all their cars. There is a threat on her life,” a family source was quoted as telling government-owned newspaper New Vision.

Security activity around Among’s residences has also intensified in recent days. Multiple searches have reportedly been conducted at her properties in Kampala, Wakiso District, and her main country residence in Bukedea District.

Reports further indicate that investigators expanded the operations to properties linked to some of her relatives and close associates, fueling speculation that authorities are widening the scope of their investigations.

The highly publicized operations have triggered widespread debate within political circles, with some NRM supporters privately expressing concern over the speed and scale of the actions being taken against one of the party’s formerly powerful figures.

Among, once considered one of the most influential political actors within the ruling establishment, was recently forced to withdraw from the race for Speaker of Parliament. Her exit effectively cleared the path for a major reshuffle in the leadership of the 12th Parliament.

The unfolding drama has also drawn in Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who publicly apologized for mistakes committed during the 11th Parliament under their leadership.

Tayebwa’s political survival has itself become the subject of intense speculation, with reports circulating in political corridors suggesting that regional calculations may have played a role in shielding him during the ongoing political storm.

Although no official statement has been issued by State House or security agencies regarding the operations against Among, the developments continue to dominate national political discussion ahead of the opening of the 12th Parliament.

Analysts say the fallout surrounding Among signals growing internal tensions within the ruling NRM at a time when the party is attempting to project unity and stability ahead of a new parliamentary term.

As pressure mounts, attention is now turning to whether the former Speaker will publicly respond to the allegations, the ongoing security operations, and the increasingly visible isolation from key power centers within the ruling establishment.