Last week, Parliament passed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, a move that will significantly deepen the military’s intervention in Uganda’s justice and civic systems. The bill has sparked widespread backlash, both at home and across the diaspora, with many critics viewing it as a direct affront to the rule of law and the freedoms it protects. For many Ugandans tirelessly advocating for justice, this decision feels like a betrayal.
This is but one of several contentious bills that have recently been passed under the stewardship of Speaker Anita Among. In stark contrast to the measured approach of her predecessor, Rebecca Kadaga, Among has taken bold and, at times, controversial steps to push legislation through the August House. Her approach has left many reeling; not only because of the substance of these bills but because of the swift and determined manner in which they’ve been enacted.
Notably, prior to the UPDF Bill, Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, a proposal that has long drawn scrutiny from local and international communities. Despite decades of debate, previous attempts to pass the bill were mired in legal and technical obstacles. However, not under Among’s watch. With a tenacity that has become her hallmark, she navigated those hurdles and ushered the bill through, aiming to “restore moral clarity” and redefine Uganda’s ideological footing.
Since May of last year, her actions have attracted sanctions, travel bans, and asset freezes from countries such as the United Kingdom. Yet, unshaken remains the “Lioness of Bukedea.” The passing of the UPDF Amendment Bill is but the latest testament to her resolve. A symbolic effort to rid Uganda of neo-colonial influence and re-anchor its youth in a Pan-African ideology that she believes is under siege by Western agendas and their paraphernalia.
Among’s legislative record underlines her vigorous leadership. Under her tenure, Parliament has passed the Public Health Amendment Bill, the Computer Misuse Amendment Act, and the Mining and Minerals Act, among others. Her efficiency has stunned both citizens and fellow politicians alike — a level of decisiveness rarely seen within Uganda’s political institutions.
Yet Among’s influence extends beyond lawmaking. She has consistently taken strides toward peace and unity, most notably when she facilitated peace talks between the Ugandan government and the Kingdom of Rwenzururu after the tragic 2016 massacre. Her participation in the Sudan peace negotiations between opposition leader Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir further demonstrates her diplomatic competence and expertise.
Her split from the Federal Party for Change was only the beginning. For Right Honourable Anita Among, no length is too far when it comes to securing Uganda’s future. Her vision is clear: a prosperous and sovereign nation, unburdened by external interference and guided by pragmatic leadership.
Which brings us to the lingering question: Will the National Resistance Movement (NRM) recognize and reciprocate her efforts?
The NRM has been in power for over three decades, during which countless politicians have come and gone with many leaving little to no impact at all whilst a number have prioritized personal interests over national development. But Among has disrupted that norm. Since taking up the Speaker’s gavel, she has replaced complacency with urgency and inaction with results. Her commitment to furthering the party’s ideological goals through action rather than rhetoric is rare and stays invaluable.
As Uganda stands at a crossroads, the NRM must consider what role Among will play in its future and whether her loyalty and labour will be duly recognized. For a party long criticized for stagnation, she represents momentum. And momentum, if properly supported, could be the key to ushering in a new political era.
