"I will go back to Bukedea and look after my cows"- Speaker Among to Retire in 2031 as She Announces Bid for 12th Parliament & NRM Top Seat

The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has announced her intention to seek re-election as Speaker in the 12th Parliament while also revealing plans to retire from active politics after serving a second term, Among also asked NRM delegates to vote her for the position of the NRM 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female), a position which is being held by former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.

Among made the statements during a meeting in Mbarara where Speaker Among engaged local leaders on the effective implementation and oversight of government programs. 

Among emphasized the role of the newly elected NRM structures in monitoring service delivery and ensuring that government initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries.

Among underscored the need for women leaders to protect the rights of the girl child, calling for an end to harmful cultural practices, early marriages, and female genital mutilation.

“We must protect the rights of the girl child. It’s our responsibility to ensure they are not left behind,” she emphasized.

She also commended President Yoweri Museveni for implementing economic empowerment programs that have improved the lives of women in Uganda.

These initiatives, she noted, have been instrumental in advancing women’s economic and social progress.

Among further stated that her retirement in 2031 would pave the way for her Deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, to take over the Speaker’s role, marking the end of her active political career.

The event also featured remarks from the NRM Vice-Chairman in charge of Eastern Uganda, Captain Mike Mukula , who praised President Museveni for increasing women’s representation in Parliament and appointing women to key government positions.

Currently, 188 female legislators serve in Parliament, including directly elected MPs, district women MPs, and representatives from special interest groups.