“In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she said.
Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament amid mounting pressure following reports of an ongoing corruption and money laundering investigation allegedly ordered by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a public statement issued on Sunday through her X account, Anita Annet Among said she had decided not to contest for the Speakership after “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at maintaining harmony within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among said.
She thanked President Museveni, the NRM party leadership, Members of Parliament, family, and friends for the support extended to her during her tenure as Deputy Speaker and Speaker over the past five years.
Among also pledged support to candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the ruling party.
“I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party, and implore all colleague MPs of the 12th Parliament to do the same,” she stated.
She further said she would remain available to serve the country in any capacity assigned by the President and the party.
The announcement comes at a time when security agencies are reportedly investigating Among over allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, and money laundering.
According to sources familiar with the matter, President Museveni recently directed security agencies to launch a probe into allegations surrounding the former Speaker’s wealth and financial dealings.
On Saturday, heavily armed security personnel attached to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), backed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other agencies, reportedly raided Among’s residences as part of the ongoing investigations.
Witnesses said security operatives sealed off roads leading to the property while investigators conducted an extensive search for documents, electronic devices, financial records, and suspected hidden cash linked to the probe.
By evening, fire brigade teams were reportedly seen transporting grinder machines into the residence as detectives intensified operations inside the compound.
Authorities had not yet officially commented on the scope of the investigation or whether criminal charges were imminent by publication time. However, insiders said the probe is part of broader efforts targeting senior public officials suspected of abusing public office for personal gains.
The developments have intensified political tension within ruling party circles ahead of the anticipated Speakership contest in the 12th Parliament. Political analysts say Among’s withdrawal signals shifting power dynamics within the NRM and could significantly influence the upcoming leadership race in Parliament.
The security operation also unfolded hours after reports emerged of the alleged abduction of Justin Nameere, a close ally of Among, under circumstances that remained unclear by Saturday evening.
Among, once considered one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s political establishment, now faces what analysts describe as one of the biggest political and legal challenges of her career.
In her statement, she said she would continue cooperating with investigations initiated by relevant state organs.
“In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she said.