The Untold Story of Anita Among’s Withdrawal: Power, Panic and a Political Bargain – M7 To Give Her Big Govt Position

Uganda’s political landscape has been thrown into fresh intrigue following a dramatic turn of events surrounding former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, whose sudden withdrawal from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament is now being interpreted by insiders as part of a broader political settlement aimed at shielding her from looming legal and political turmoil.

In the space of less than 24 hours, the atmosphere around Among shifted from one of uncertainty and mounting pressure to what sources described as the possibility of a “soft landing” orchestrated at the highest levels of power.

Highly placed sources familiar with the developments told The Pearl Times that before her withdrawal announcement, preparations were allegedly underway for Among to be arraigned in court this week, with insiders fearing that the chances of her being remanded were “extremely high.”

Now, however, the same sources insist the situation has dramatically changed.

“AAA is not going to prison,” one source reportedly told the publication, signaling what many observers believe could be the beginning of a negotiated political exit rather than a humiliating downfall for one of Uganda’s most powerful politicians in recent years.

The unfolding developments mark a remarkable chapter in the rise and apparent political decline of Among, whose journey from relative obscurity to the pinnacle of state power has long fascinated both supporters and critics.

Before entering mainstream politics, Among built a professional background in banking and academia. Her early political attempts were unsuccessful, but persistence eventually paid off in 2016 when she entered Parliament as an independent candidate. Her later alignment with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) significantly transformed her political fortunes.

Within a short period, Among had entrenched herself within the center of Uganda’s power structure. Her influence grew steadily as she cultivated close ties with President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, relationships that strengthened her grip on Parliament and elevated her standing within the ruling establishment.

Her eventual election as Speaker of Parliament in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah cemented her place among the country’s most influential political figures.

At the height of her power, Among wielded enormous influence over parliamentary affairs while simultaneously consolidating her political base in Bukedea District. Through expansive patronage networks, development initiatives, and aggressive grassroots mobilization, she built a political machine that appeared difficult to challenge.

But beneath the surface, tensions within the ruling establishment were reportedly growing.

As preparations for the next parliamentary cycle intensified, divisions among influential political actors allegedly began to emerge. Sources claim key power brokers within the establishment gradually shifted their support elsewhere, weakening Among’s once formidable political shield.

The deterioration of elite backing reportedly coincided with mounting scrutiny over her wealth, luxury properties, and financial dealings. Corruption allegations, international sanctions, and growing calls for investigations pushed her leadership into deeper controversy.

Reports of security operations and alleged searches at properties linked to the former Speaker only intensified public attention and speculation surrounding her future.

Yet all those tensions appear to have culminated in one defining political decision: Anita Among’s withdrawal from the Speaker race.

Sources familiar with the negotiations claim the decision did not come easily and followed days of intense pressure, consultations, and high-level interventions.

The Pearl Times reports that several influential figures were involved in persuading Among to step aside in line with President Museveni’s demands. Among those reportedly engaged in the discussions were Tingey County MP Twala Fadhil and Bardege-Layibi Division MP Martin Ojara Mapenduzi.

According to insiders, Among had allegedly been given until midnight to publicly announce her withdrawal or face further consequences.

Fearing deeper humiliation amid increasing pressure allegedly linked to directives from both Museveni and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Among eventually announced her withdrawal just minutes before the deadline expired, sources claim.

The dramatic announcement instantly reshaped the political conversation in Kampala.

Attention is now expected to shift from Among herself toward Parliament, where several officials are reportedly said to be under scrutiny as investigations continue behind the scenes.

In what many observers describe as a shocking reversal, insiders who previously expected Among to appear in court and possibly face remand at Luzira Prison this week now believe she could entirely avoid criminal prosecution.

The latest developments have fueled speculation that a political compromise may have been reached to de-escalate the crisis and stabilize the situation within the ruling establishment.

Sources further allege that as early as Friday last week, President Museveni had urged Among to withdraw from the Speaker race and instead accept appointment as Vice President. However, the Bukedea District Woman MP reportedly resisted the proposal for days, delaying a final decision even as pressure mounted around her.

Insiders claim that after a meeting at State House, Museveni later dispatched Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe to formally communicate the offer: step aside from the Speaker race and accept the vice presidency.

It remains unclear whether the proposal is still active or whether the President has since reconsidered following Among’s delayed response.

Equally uncertain is the future of current Vice President Jessica Alupo, whose position has become the subject of growing speculation amid the unfolding political drama.

For now, however, one message appears increasingly clear within political circles: Anita Among may have secured a negotiated soft landing at a moment when many expected a dramatic legal collapse.

Meanwhile, unverified reports surrounding security searches at residences linked to Among continue to circulate widely online. Sources allege that billions of shillings in cash and several items believed to be associated with witchcraft practices were reportedly recovered during the operations, though authorities have not publicly confirmed the claims.

Neither security agencies nor State House had officially commented on the allegations by press time.

As political tension continues to grip Kampala, the country now waits to see whether Among’s withdrawal marks the end of her political troubles — or merely the beginning of a new phase in one of Uganda’s most closely watched power struggles.