Kampala, Uganda – In a dramatic turn of events that has reshaped Uganda’s political landscape, former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja have expressed profound relief and satisfaction following the dramatic political downfall of Anita Annet Among, the outgoing Speaker of the 11th Parliament.
Sources close to the two senior National Resistance Movement (NRM) figures described scenes of quiet celebration as confirmation emerged that Among had withdrawn from the race for re-election as Speaker of the 12th Parliament amid intense scrutiny, raids on her properties, and allegations of corruption. Jacob Oboth-Oboth was subsequently elected as the new Speaker.
Kadaga, who has long been a political rival to Among after losing the Speakership to her in 2022 and later contesting against her in NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, reportedly received the news with visible joy. The long-standing tensions between the two Busoga-region heavyweights had intensified in recent months, with public verbal clashes during party campaigns. Among had previously defeated Kadaga in the race for NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female).
Insiders say Kadaga views Among’s exit not merely as a political victory but as vindication after years of rivalry. Among’s fall accelerated rapidly in mid-May 2026 following security raids on her residences, the impounding of luxury vehicles including a Rolls-Royce, and reports of frozen bank accounts. She bowed out of the Speakership race and faced investigations linked to her tenure.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who has had her own reported frictions with the former Speaker over parliamentary proceedings and government business, is said to be equally pleased with the development. Nabbanja’s allies describe a sense of renewed momentum in government operations now that the parliamentary leadership transition appears smoother under the new dispensation.
Political analysts note that Among’s once-formidable position crumbled amid a combination of factors: public displays of wealth that drew scrutiny, international sanctions, internal NRM dynamics, and shifting alliances, including reported endorsements from influential figures like Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for alternative candidates.
In a brief statement reflecting on the transition, one source quoted Kadaga as saying the focus now shifts to “serving the party and the nation with integrity,” while Nabbanja emphasized unity and delivery of government programs under the new parliamentary leadership.Among, who rose to prominence as Speaker in March 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah, has maintained she is being targeted and has pledged cooperation with any probes. Her supporters in Busoga lament the swiftness of her political eclipse.
The developments come as the 12th Parliament opens, with Thomas Tayebwa retaining his position as Deputy Speaker. Observers say the leadership changes signal a tightening of NRM control and a new chapter in Uganda’s legislative politics.
As the dust settles, many in Kampala’s political circles are watching closely to see how the rivalry’s resolution will influence dynamics within the ruling party and government in the coming months.
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