Uganda’s outgoing Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has officially withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, citing the need to maintain harmony within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

In a statement released on Sunday night through her official X account, Among announced that she would no longer contest for the powerful parliamentary position and instead pledged full support to candidates that will be endorsed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM party.

“After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the NRM, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated.

She expressed gratitude to 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 of Parliament.

Among further pledged her cooperation with ongoing investigations surrounding allegations raised against her tenure, saying she remains committed to serving the country in any role assigned by the party and the President.

Her withdrawal comes amid growing political pressure and recent reports of security raids on properties linked to her. The developments have intensified political debate within the ruling party as preparations for the 12th Parliament continue.

The situation gained further attention after Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the Speakership position, a move that sparked widespread discussion within political circles.

Anita Among has been one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s 11th Parliament, serving first as Deputy Speaker before later assuming the office of Speaker. Her leadership has attracted both praise and criticism, particularly on matters relating to governance, accountability, and parliamentary oversight.

With her withdrawal now confirmed, attention is expected to shift to the NRM’s officially backed candidates as political negotiations for the leadership of the 12th Parliament intensify.