Back To My Roots: Anita Among ‘Silently’ Returns To Parliament Amid Political Turmoil

By Swift Reporter

Former Speaker Anita Annet Among has quietly returned to parliamentary proceedings, joining the August 4 sitting virtually in her first appearance before the House since the 12th Parliament began its work.

Among, the Bukedea District Woman MP, logged into the plenary session remotely as Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa chaired proceedings.

She did not, however, speak or participate in the debate during the sitting.

Her low-key appearance comes at a politically significant moment, as the former Speaker remains under scrutiny over investigations into allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment.

Among served as Speaker of the 11th Parliament from March 2022 until May 2026 and was re-elected unopposed as Bukedea District Woman MP in the 2026 general elections.

She took the oath of office on May 13 but had not physically or virtually participated in parliamentary proceedings since the new House started its work.

Her absence meant she missed several key sittings, including the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the State of the Nation Address and the formation of parliamentary committees.

Among’s appearance on the virtual platform was notable largely because of its timing.

She joined the session but remained silent throughout the proceedings, with no contribution recorded during the sitting.

Parliament allows MPs to participate in proceedings remotely under its Rules of Procedure, although participation from outside the Chamber requires approval from the Speaker.

Acting Director of Communications and Public Affairs Grace Gidudu said Parliament provides MPs with a Zoom link through which they can follow and participate in proceedings remotely.

Virtual participation was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and was subsequently incorporated into parliamentary practice.

It remains unclear whether Among had obtained the required formal approval for her virtual attendance.

Beyond parliamentary participation, Among’s return could have implications for her continued occupancy of the Bukedea parliamentary seat.

The Constitution and parliamentary rules provide for loss of an MP’s seat in circumstances where the legislator misses 15 sittings without written permission or a satisfactory explanation.

Her virtual attendance therefore comes as she approaches a politically sensitive period following months away from the House.

Among’s absence began after her political fortunes changed dramatically in May.

After being returned unopposed as Bukedea Woman MP, she withdrew from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament shortly before the election, saying the decision was intended to preserve unity within the National Resistance Movement.

She was subsequently replaced in the Speaker’s contest by Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, who went on to win the position.

Her withdrawal from the Speakership came amid investigations by security agencies and the Inspectorate of Government into allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment.

Investigators searched several properties linked to Among, including her Nakasero residence and other premises, while a number of high-value vehicles were impounded.

Among has not been charged in court over the allegations.

The investigations have nevertheless cast uncertainty over her political future, particularly after she stepped away from the race for one of the country’s most powerful parliamentary positions.

Several parliamentary staff members linked to the investigations have also been arrested and charged.

Reports have further indicated that Among’s movements have been restricted since the investigations intensified in May.

Against that backdrop, her quiet reappearance in Parliament is likely to attract attention not because she addressed the House, but because it signals her first formal participation in the work of the 12th Parliament since taking the oath.

For now, Among remains a sitting Member of Parliament, while the investigations surrounding her continue.

Her return also places her back within the parliamentary record at a time when questions over her political future remain unresolved.