Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has strongly defended her tenure and dismissed suggestions that she assumed the role by accident, expressing full confidence in retaining the position when the 12th Parliament convenes in May 2026.

Among highlighted her election by 415 Members of Parliament on March 25, 2022, following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

“There is no school for training Speakers of Parliament, and there is no accidental Speaker. The Speaker people call ‘accidental’ was elected by 415 Members of Parliament,” she stated.

“By God’s grace, I will be Speaker of the 12th Parliament and Thomas Tayebwa will remain Deputy Speaker.”

Among became Speaker after Oulanyah’s passing and has overseen key legislative milestones, including the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2023.

She defended her stance on the bill amid international sanctions, saying: “When we were passing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, many people feared even being associated with it. I was sanctioned for the good of this country. I stood for our values and traditions, and I am ready to do it again.”

She also emphasized gender balance in leadership: “There must be gender equality. If the Speaker is a woman, the Deputy Speaker should be a man. You cannot have two men together.”

With women comprising about 35% of MPs—largely due to affirmative-action district women’s seats under Article 32 of the Constitution—Among encouraged incoming female legislators to remain confident and active in leadership roles.

The upcoming election for Speaker and Deputy Speaker will occur via secret ballot under Article 82 of the 1995 Constitution, shortly after President Yoweri Museveni inaugurates the new Parliament (expected around May 12, 2026) and MPs take their oaths.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), holding a majority in the 556-member House, has endorsed Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to retain their positions. The NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) passed resolutions in January and February 2026 supporting the pair, with President Museveni (NRM chairman) approval.

Critics include Democratic Party president and Justice Minister Norbert Mao, who labeled her rise “accidental” and vowed to contest: “None of those decisions or political games will stop me from running.”

An NRM member, Apollo Kibira, filed a High Court case on March 6, 2026, challenging the CEC endorsement as unconstitutional and limiting open competition.

Other potential challengers include State Minister for Housing Persis Namuganza, Aringa South MP-elect Yorke Odria Alioni, and Masindi District Woman MP-elect Dr Florence Asiimwe Akiiki.

Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto said the decision rests with MPs and she would await the NRM caucus meeting in May.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa has argued that continuity in leadership ensures stability and allows the Parliament to swiftly tackle national priorities.

Among’s supporters credit her with providing firm guidance during a period of many new MPs and maintaining legislative momentum.

The race underscores ongoing debates over parliamentary independence, gender representation, and intra-party dynamics in Uganda’s legislature as the new term approaches.