Will NRM Edge Out Anita Among’s Speakership Bid? Museveni Reportedly Voices Concerns

By Uganda Today Political Desk

Alleged State House meeting — President cautions against personal praise

According to an impeccable State House source, a high-level meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni took place three weeks ago, bringing together Speaker Anita Annet Among, her Deputy and several senior NRM figures. Guests addressed the President for several hours, with much of the early session devoted to praise of Speaker Among and appeals for her endorsement.

Among reportedly sought validation from Museveni

The source says Among spoke for almost 50 minutes, outlining her role in NRM mobilisation during the recent elections. She reportedly claimed credit for persuading numerous opposition figures to cooperate with NRM and described herself as central to the party’s electoral success, including the reported 71% result and the strong showing of more than 450 NRM MPs.

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Deputy Speaker and guests laud Among’s mobilisation role

The Deputy Speaker and several guest speakers reportedly echoed Among’s account, lauding her mobilisation skills and urging the President to back her for a second term as Speaker.

Museveni reportedly rebukes personal praise, levels corruption accusations

The source reports that President Museveni reacted coolly to the flattery, urging attendees to attribute NRM’s success to party programmes — such as Emyoga, Bonna Bagagawale and PDM — rather than individual actions. The source further says Museveni, while acknowledging Among’s energy and mobilisation efforts, reportedly accused her of grand theft and corruption, stating that the State House Anti‑Corruption Unit, the Auditor‑General and the Attorney‑General have evidence.

Alleged selective mobilisation and internal sabotage in Busoga

Museveni is said to have criticised Among’s handling of mobilisation in Busoga, blaming her for the victory of eight NUP MPs in the region and for failing to coordinate with local leaders such as Rebecca Kadaga and Persis Namuganza. He reportedly cited complaints that Among selectively scheduled rallies and may have undermined some NRM leaders in the region.

Shock and shifting alliances within Among’s camp

The accusations reportedly left Among’s entourage visibly shaken and prompted fears of an orchestrated effort to derail her speakership bid. Sources say some senior figures, including Gen. Salim Saleh, have been less available to Among in recent days. Some NRM ministers and leaders are said to be urging the President to avoid endorsing a Speaker alleged to be under international scrutiny and possible sanctions, arguing a different candidate would better serve the party’s international standing.

Emergence of alternatives and broader political calculations

The source suggests renewed interest in alternatives — with Norbert Mao’s re‑emergence described as part of a broader strategic realignment — reflects concerns within the party about international perceptions of NRM and the desirability of a Speaker not under external scrutiny.

What remains unconfirmed

These claims are based on a State House source and have not been independently verified by Uganda Today. No documentary evidence has been produced publicly to corroborate the corruption allegations referenced in the meeting. Uganda Today will seek comment from Speaker Anita Among, President Museveni’s office, the State House Anti‑Corruption Unit, the Auditor‑General and the Attorney‑General and will publish responses as they become available.

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— Uganda Today Political Desk