Inside the Numbers and power : Why Anita Among’s hold on Speakership looks secure

Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

In Uganda’s changing parliamentary politics, the contest for the Speakership is less about uncertainty and more about continuity, tradition and political numbers. At the center of this discussion is Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, a leader whose strong political support, institutional backing and party loyalty place her in a powerful position to retain the office.

From both a procedural and political perspective, the National Resistance Movement has already made its position clear. The decision by the Central Executive Committee (CEC), to endorse Among as the sole candidate for Speaker alongside Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy is more than symbolic.

It strongly influences the final outcome. In a Parliament where the NRM holds a large majority, such a decision largely determines the result even before voting takes place.

Uganda’s Parliament largely operates along party lines and this is especially visible within the NRM. The party has consistently shown unity when choosing leaders of Parliament. Once the CEC makes a decision, internal disagreement is rare and often politically risky.

This unity is strengthened by an unwritten but widely respected tradition: a sitting Speaker is often allowed to serve two uninterrupted terms. Although this practice is not written in law, it has become an important principle within the party. It promotes stability, rewards loyalty and helps preserve experience in parliamentary leadership.

In this situation, Anita Among’s candidacy is not only supported but it is strongly safeguarded by party structure.

Since becoming Speaker, Among has shown strong command of parliamentary procedures and political negotiations. Her leadership has been marked by firm decision-making and an ability to manage complex debates while maintaining alignment with the direction of the NRM.

Her role as the 2nd National Vice Chairperson of the NRM further strengthens her position. This role places her not only at the center of Parliament but also within the core leadership of the ruling party. Holding influence in both spaces gives her significant political advantage and makes her candidacy strong.

The entry of Norbert Mao into the Speakership race adds an interesting political dimension though its impact appears limited. Mao, a veteran politician and leader of the Democratic Party brings experience and strong communication skills. However, his candidacy faces major structural challenges.

The first challenge is numbers. The Democratic Party holds only a small number of seats in Parliament far below what is needed to mount a serious challenge. Meanwhile, the NRM’s majority means that any candidate without its endorsement would depend on unlikely support from ruling party MPs.

Secondly, Mao is not a member of the NRM. In a political system where party loyalty is highly valued, it is unlikely that NRM MPs would abandon a candidate endorsed by their own party leadership in favor of an opposition figure.

As a result, Mao’s participation may strengthen the appearance of democratic competition but it is unlikely to change the final outcome.

At a time when governance requires consistency and strong institutions, maintaining continuity in parliamentary leadership can be seen as a strategic decision. Retaining Anita Among would allow ongoing legislative work to continue smoothly, preserve working relationships within Parliament and support the implementation of the NRM’s agenda.

Her re-election would also signal a commitment to political stability within Uganda’s governance system a message that carries importance both locally and internationally.

Although the Speakership race may appear competitive on the surface, the underlying political realities suggest a predictable outcome. With CEC endorsement, strong parliamentary numbers, party tradition and leadership experience, Anita Among stands not just as a candidate but as the most likely choice.

In politics, outcomes are rarely accidental. They are shaped by alliances, established practices and institutional support. By these measures, Anita Among remains firmly positioned to retain the Speakership, reinforcing both her leadership and continuity in Uganda’s legislative agenda.