Politics 25 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Annet Among Absent from First Parliament Sitting to Elect New Speaker
Outgoing Speaker Anita Among failed to attend the inaugural sitting of the 12th Parliament where a new Speaker was to be elected. Her absence is noted amid investigations into corruption allegations and searches at her residences. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/among-skips-first-sitting-of-12th-parliament-to-elect-new-speaker-5473140
The 12th Parliament convened for its inaugural sitting on Monday, but a notable absence was that of outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among. Ms Among, who represents Bukedea District, was expected to participate in the election of her successor and other parliamentary leadership.
Proceedings took place at Kololo Independence Grounds, where legislators gathered. During the roll call, Ms Among’s name was called, but she was not present. Her absence was conspicuous throughout the day.
Efforts by the Daily Monitor to reach Ms Among’s lawyer, Mr Caleb Alaka, for comment on her absence were unsuccessful. He did not respond to calls or messages.
Ms Among was reportedly asked not to contest for Speaker again during a meeting at State House Entebbe, following controversies and corruption allegations that marked the 11th Parliament. This paved the way for Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth to be elected Speaker, with Thomas Tayebwa retaining his Deputy Speaker role.
As a regular Member of Parliament, Ms Among would have been expected to vote in the election, albeit without the privileges of her former office. Her absence follows recent searches by security agencies at her various residences, reportedly linked to investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office. The outcome of these searches and any potential charges remain unclear, though two high-value vehicles were reportedly removed from her home.