The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has dismissed reports suggesting she intends to contest for the presidency in 2031. Instead, she plans to retire from active politics and support a successor backed by President Yoweri Museveni. Speaking on Monday in Kampala during a high-profile charity event, Among contributed UGX 100 million to the “MK Run.” This initiative marks the 52nd birthday of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba scheduled for April 26, 2026. The Speaker Among retirement announcement surprised many political observers.
“I have heard some people saying Anita Among wants to stand for the presidency in 2031. I want to tell Ugandans that in 2031, I am retiring from active politics,” she said. She dismissed the claims as “rubbish” and “total nonsense.” Among further downplayed ambitions for higher office, saying the role of a Member of Parliament alone is demanding enough. She does not see herself suited for the presidency. Therefore, the Speaker Among retirement plan appears firm.
Event Organized by Pro-Government Patriotic League of Uganda
The event was organised by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a pro-government mobilisation group aligned with President Museveni and Gen. Kainerugaba. The “MK Run” has been repositioned as a philanthropic initiative supporting vulnerable children, orphanages, and disadvantaged urban youth. PLU officials, including mobilisation director Michael Mawanda and secretary general David Kabanda, praised Among’s contribution and political loyalty. Kabanda also revealed that Gen. Kainerugaba had previously directed support for Among’s re-election as Speaker.
Among has previously publicly aligned herself with the First Family. She named a major block at Bukedea Comprehensive Senior Secondary School after “General M.K.” She has repeatedly affirmed loyalty to President Museveni. She rose to the Speakership in March 2022 following the death of her predecessor, Jacob Oulanyah, after serving briefly as Deputy Speaker. The Speaker Among retirement timeline of 2031 aligns with the end of the current presidential term.
Analysts Debate Parliamentary Independence
Her latest remarks have renewed debate over parliamentary independence and the Speaker’s constitutional role within the Parliament of Uganda. Uganda’s Constitution assigns Parliament legislative authority and oversight functions. It requires the Speaker to preside impartially over proceedings and safeguard institutional independence. However, analysts caution that strong political alignment with the executive may weaken this balance. The Speaker Among retirement announcement does not address these institutional concerns.
Political analysts note that Uganda’s governance structure remains heavily influenced by patronage politics under the long rule of the National Resistance Movement. Succession dynamics are increasingly shaping political discourse ahead of 2031. Among’s pledge to support Museveni’s chosen successor reinforces this dynamic. Her retirement would remove one potential contender from the succession race. Therefore, the Speaker Among retirement could simplify the ruling party’s transition planning.
International Governance Assessments Flag Concerns
International governance assessments have consistently flagged concerns about democratic space and institutional independence in Uganda. Within this context, initiatives like the MK Run, while framed as charitable, are often seen by critics as also carrying political mobilisation significance ahead of future transitions. The event combined philanthropy with political messaging. Among’s attendance and donation reinforced her alignment with the First Family.
The Speaker Among retirement announcement came alongside a significant financial contribution. The UGX 100 million donation to the MK Run demonstrates her capacity to support political initiatives financially. Critics may view this as patronage politics. Supporters see it as charitable giving for vulnerable children. Regardless of interpretation, the donation reinforces Among’s loyalty to the ruling establishment.
Among’s political trajectory has been remarkable. She entered Parliament in 2016 as a woman representative for Bukedea District. She became Deputy Speaker in 2021 and assumed the Speakership in 2022 after Oulanyah’s death. Her rapid rise surprised many who expected a more senior figure to take the position. She has since consolidated her authority within Parliament. The Speaker Among retirement announcement suggests she does not intend to seek higher office despite her growing influence.
The 2031 timeline remains distant. Political circumstances could change before then. However, Among’s public statement provides clarity about her intentions. She will support Museveni’s chosen successor rather than compete for the presidency. She will retire from active politics rather than seek re-election as Speaker or MP. Ugandans will watch whether she maintains this position as 2031 approaches. For now, the Speaker Among retirement plan stands as her official position.
