Anita Annet Among has returned to a high-level ruling party gathering, attending a meeting of the National Resistance Movement’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) at State House Entebbe after months away from the public political spotlight.
The former Speaker’s attendance comes after she withdrew from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament amid investigations into allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, money laundering and abuse of office.
Among remains the elected Woman MP for Bukedea District and the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), but it is not yet clear whether her appearance at the meeting signals any change in her political responsibilities.
The meeting takes place as the ruling party organises its leadership following the 2026 general elections.
Among’s latest public political appearance follows a period of heightened scrutiny that began in May 2026, when joint security teams searched residences linked to her in Nakasero and Kigo.
Investigations also extended to other properties associated with her, including in Bukedea.
During the operations, security operatives briefly impounded at least five luxury vehicles and searched her former chambers at Parliament.
The investigations involved allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, money laundering and abuse of office.
However, Among had not been formally charged in connection with the investigations when she withdrew from the Speakership race.
Her attendance at the CEC meeting marks a return to a senior ruling party setting following months of uncertainty about her public role.
On May 17, 2026, Among announced that she would not seek the Speakership of the 12th Parliament.
She said the decision followed consultations and was intended to preserve harmony within the NRM. She also pledged to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
Her withdrawal opened the way for West Budama South MP Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth to become the ruling party’s candidate for Speaker.
Parliament subsequently elected Oboth-Oboth to lead the 12th Parliament, while Thomas Tayebwa retained the position of Deputy Speaker.
The change marked a transition in parliamentary leadership after Among had served as Speaker since March 2022.
She took up the position following the death of Jacob Oulanyah, having previously served as Deputy Speaker.
After withdrawing from the Speakership race, Among was confined to her residence for about 100 days as security restrictions remained in place.
In August 2026, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced that President Museveni had directed that she be released from house arrest.
Gen Muhoozi also announced that Among would not be prosecuted over the allegations, saying the President had decided to forgive her.
The announcement marked a significant development in the controversy surrounding the former Speaker, whose public political activity had been limited during the period of confinement.
There is also no confirmed information on whether every security restriction imposed during her confinement was lifted at the time of her release.
The NRM Central Executive Committee is one of the party’s principal decision-making organs, bringing together senior leaders to discuss political and organisational matters.
Its meetings at State House have previously played a role in shaping the party’s position on parliamentary leadership.
Among’s attendance is therefore relevant to the ruling party’s leadership structure, particularly because she continues to hold the position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) while representing Bukedea District in Parliament.
However, her presence at the meeting does not establish that the party has formally changed her responsibilities or made a decision about her future political role.
It is also unclear whether the CEC will discuss Among’s position, the investigations or any other matter connected to her recent political circumstances.
The immediate question is whether the NRM will issue any formal communication about the meeting and Among’s place in the party’s leadership.
A statement from the party could clarify whether her attendance was part of routine leadership business or accompanied by decisions concerning her political responsibilities.
The status of the investigations also remains an important unanswered question. For now, the confirmed development is her attendance at the CEC meeting, rather than any announced change to her position.
Anita Among’s return to the NRM CEC meeting brings her back into a high-level party setting after her withdrawal from the Speakership race, a period of house arrest and the announcement that she would not be prosecuted over the allegations.
She remains Bukedea District Woman MP and the party’s Second National Vice Chairperson (Female).
Whether her attendance signals a broader return to a more prominent public political role remains unclear, with no confirmed announcement yet outlining any change to her responsibilities within the NRM.
