It has been eight years since the August House was shaken by the chaos and controversy of the 2017 presidential term limit debate. An event marked by fierce clashes and flying fists, etched into the annals of parliamentary history. Yet, from those tumultuous moments rose a formidable figure, a phoenix whose influence would help reshape the political landscape: Honourable Anita Annet Among.
Like her trailblazing predecessor, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Among has broken barriers that long limited women’s participation in politics. The proud daughter of Bukedea, she has continually challenged the patriarchal norms that seek to constrain women’s roles in leadership and their emancipation. A force to be reckoned with, the Speaker and Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District embodies grace, poise, and an iron will.
It goes without saying that Among is no pushover. Time and again, she has faced down with formidable opponents, emerging not only victorious but, in some cases, having earned new allies. Her keen sense of negotiation and affable nature have made her quite the respectable figure, even among dissenters; winning hearts and commanding attention with every gavel she wields.
Born in 1973, Among’s journey began far from the glitz and glamour she commands today. Those who knew her as a child couldn’t miss the spark in her eyes—a dreamer destined for greatness. With relentless determination and earnest fervency, she pursued her education, eventually enrolling at Makerere University where she earned a degree in Business Administration.
Her transition into politics would came much later in 2007, when Bukedea was officially declared a district. Swapping her calculator for a more prestigious microphone, she boldly stood for office only to face defeat twice. The path was rocky, but she remained undeterred. In 2016, embodying the spirit of resilience, she ran once more. And as the American idiom goes, the third time’s the charm. She secured her seat in the 10th Parliament, marking the beginning of an unstoppable political ascent.
Since then, Among has held her position firmly, a testament to both her popularity and effectiveness. Her career has flourished, her voice, once tentative now rings with authority across Uganda. Her 2022 departure from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to join the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) signaled a full-circle metamorphosis: from a determined girl in Bukedea to the Speaker of the nation’s Parliament.
That same year, she successfully contested for the position of Deputy Speaker and sailed through. However in a sudden turn of events, following the untimely passing of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah on March 25, 2022, in Washington D.C., she was elevated to the highest office in Parliament. Where with the support of her Deputy, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, she has since managed to lead with resolve.
Under her stewardship, the once-routine proceedings of Parliament have become more dynamic and engaging. Whether through charitable initiatives or assertive disciplinary action, Among brings vitality and visibility to the Speaker’s role. Her youthfulness, sartorial flair, and bold leadership style have made her one of Uganda’s most recognizable political figures and a role model to countless young girls.
From Bukedea to the Vatican, Among’s principled leadership is fueled by a conviction to protect national values and resist external influences. This resolve was especially evident in her handling of the anti-homosexuality legislation, a controversial move that drew both domestic praise and international scrutiny.
A mother and a leader, Anita Among’s legacy is one of resilience, inspiration, and dedication. Her radiant smile has become a symbol of hope in the often-turbulent arena of politics. Despite the pace of her high-profile life, she remains grounded and connected to her roots. Her newly built mansion in Bukedea stands not merely as a personal achievement, but as a bold statement of the prosperity she envisions for her district.
As the 2026 elections approach, after having served Uganda with distinction for nearly a century. Among once again calls on the people of Uganda to believe in her leadership. If her journey thus far is any indication of she has in store, the stylish, charismatic legislator is poised to leave a lasting mark on not just Uganda’s political future, but on generations to come. Altiora Peto.
