By Frank Kamuntu
Speaker Anita Among has refused to heed calls for her resignation from young Ugandans, who have accused her of corruption and abuse of office. She described those making these demands as self-seekers wasting government resources and demonizing Parliament.
On Sunday, June 28, 2024, while addressing guests at the opening of the Shs2.7 billion St. Charles Lwanga Kigarama Church in Mitooma District, Among responded to the accusations. The church was funded by Deputy Speaker Tayebwa and his business community associates. The ceremony coincided with a Thanksgiving event celebrating the 80th birthday of Tayebwa’s father, Daudi Bangirana.
In her speech, Among asked rhetorically, “Resign and go where? I still have one term to serve. When I finish, I will hand it over to my younger brother Thomas.” She defended Parliament against accusations of corruption, emphasizing that MPs are not accounting officers and that the alleged thefts do not originate in Parliament.
Among continued her defiant stance during the church service, dismissing the allegations and insisting she would serve her remaining term before passing the position to Tayebwa. She praised Tayebwa as a dedicated Deputy Speaker and urged the people of Mitooma to re-elect him.
Among accused the protesters of undermining Uganda’s values, launching into homophobic remarks by referencing biblical verses. She claimed, without evidence, that the demonstrations were driven by self-interest and a desire to disrupt the Parliament’s harmonious relationship with the Executive.
“The government may make mistakes, but that does not justify marching and wasting resources,” she said. “The 11th Parliament decided to work with the President, and there is no longer any conflict between the Legislature and the Executive.”
Among dismissed rumors of infighting between her and Tayebwa, highlighting their 20-year-long political journey from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
After her speech, Among made a plea to President Museveni to protect Parliament from public criticism, assuring him of Parliament’s unwavering support.
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