Beleaguered Parliament Speaker Anita Among has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, ending days of speculation following security operations at her residences in Nakasero and Kigo linked to an ongoing state investigation.
In a statement issued shortly before midnight, Among said she would “not be offering” herself for the Speakership race after what she described as “wide consultations and deep introspection.” If upheld, the decision would see her leave office before completing a full five-year parliamentary term.
Her announcement, posted on X at 11:50pm, came after joint security operations were conducted over the weekend at her residences as part of investigations into alleged corruption-related offences and illicit enrichment.
Among’s official X account had remained unusually quiet since May 13, while several of her known aides also refrained from public comment following the operations.
Sources familiar with the matter said the investigations were sanctioned at the highest levels of government.
Her withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape internal positioning within the ruling National Resistance Movement ahead of the election of parliamentary leadership for the 12th Parliament next Monday.
Senior party officials reportedly signaled growing support for Jacob Marksons Oboth, who is understood to have secured backing from Yoweri Museveni and other influential figures within the party ahead of internal consultations.
Meanwhile, a joint team of elite security agencies has expanded operations targeting properties linked to Among, conducting intensive searches at her high-end residences in Kigo, an affluent lakeside suburb in Wakiso District, and Ntinda in Kampala.
The coordinated raids followed an earlier heavily guarded operation at her Nakasero residence, signaling a widening state crackdown.
The operation, which began on Saturday, involved detectives from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and other intelligence agencies.
Security forces cordoned off the upscale Ntinda property and the lakeside Kigo residence, restricting movement in and out of the premises.
The multi-agency deployment comes amid a widening investigation into alleged corruption, money laundering, and illicit wealth accumulation.
Highly placed sources indicated that investigators are seeking financial records, asset declarations, and procurement documents linked to the Bukedea Woman MP’s tenure as head of Parliament.
Witnesses at both residences described a tense atmosphere as armed operatives maintained a strict security perimeter.
The Kigo search further expanded the scope of the operation, with investigators reportedly focusing on properties said to be under preparation ahead of the new parliamentary term.
The raids unfolded just days after newly elected legislators, including Among, were sworn in for the 12th Parliament and ahead of the scheduled election for Speaker on May 25.
