As Uganda gears up for another crucial election cycle, the battle for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Second Vice Chairperson position is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest. Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among has thrown her hat in the ring, seeking to replace former Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. In a political climate where the NRM faces growing opposition, the party urgently needs a leader with the charisma, influence, and strategic acumen to rally both opposition leaders and supporters into its fold. Without a doubt, Anita Among is that dynamic leader—exactly the kind of force the NRM requires to reinvigorate its ranks and expand its base.
Over the weekend, Speaker Among was in Pabbo Subcounty, Amuru District, officiating an event organized by Kilak North MP, Hon. Anthony Akol, aimed at fundraising for women’s groups. However, the event turned out to be more than just a philanthropic gesture—it was a political masterstroke. During the function, Baldega Layibi MP Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, a former staunch opposition figure, officially joined the NRM. Mapenduzi’s defection is a significant win, considering his deep roots in the opposition, having served as the Gulu District LCV Chairperson under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and as Chair of the Local Government Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, appointed by the National Unity Platform (NUP). His crossover signals a shifting political tide in Acholi sub-region, with more prominent figures—including Anthony Akol, Kilak County MP Gilbert Oulanyah, and Amuru District Woman MP Lucy Akello—expected to follow suit.
The architect behind this strategic mobilization? Speaker Anita Among. Her ability to engage, persuade, and build political consensus has positioned her as a formidable force in the NRM. This is not an isolated case; she has demonstrated the same level of effectiveness in the Eastern region, particularly in Teso sub-region, where, alongside Capt. Mike Mukula, she has successfully lured major opposition figures into the NRM. Her political dexterity and persuasive leadership make her indispensable to the party’s future.
Beyond her mobilization prowess, Among has also fostered a more harmonious working relationship between Parliament and the Executive. Unlike past leaderships, where tensions between Parliament and the Executive often escalated—at one point even leading Parliament under Kadaga to pass a motion of displeasure against President Museveni.
Among has prioritized consensus-building and cooperation. Under her stewardship, Parliament has evolved into a space of constructive engagement rather than constant confrontation, an essential factor for the stability of Uganda’s young democracy.
Anita Among is not just a leader; she is an asset, a political mobilizer, and an energizing force within the NRM. As the party seeks to maintain its dominance and counter the growing opposition, it needs leaders who can adapt, inspire, and expand its influence. The likes of Kadaga, though seasoned, have had their time and exhausted their contributions. The future belongs to leaders like Among, who bring fresh perspectives, unyielding determination, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the party’s hold on power.
For the NRM, the choice is clear: Anita Among is the best gift the party can give itself at this critical moment.
The author is a political analyst
