FAMReports News Desk | May 2026
Political pressure surrounding Uganda’s Speakership race intensified further on Sunday after senior government officials and ruling party figures publicly linked ongoing anti corruption investigations to the withdrawal of Anita Annet Among from the contest for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The latest developments emerged amid a widening anti corruption crackdown which the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba dubbed “Operation Maliza Ufisadi,” an operation security officials say is targeting individuals implicated in corruption and abuse of public office.
In a strongly worded statement, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba warned that security agencies would intensify operations against suspected culprits under direct instructions from the Commander in Chief.
“The security forces under the direction and instructions of the Commander in Chief launched Operation ‘Maliza Ufisadi’ the other day. We shall expand this operation and apprehend all culprits. No one will be spared,” Muhoozi stated.
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The remarks immediately fueled political speculation regarding the timing of Among’s decision to withdraw from the race and the broader investigations currently unfolding within Uganda’s political establishment.
Earlier on Sunday, Among officially announced that she would not seek re election as Speaker of Parliament, citing “wide consultations and deep introspection” aimed at maintaining “harmony and clarity” within the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Her announcement marked a major political shift ahead of the constitution of the 12th Parliament, particularly given her influence within both Parliament and the ruling party over the past five years.
“I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among declared in her statement.
She also pledged to cooperate with ongoing investigations being conducted by relevant state agencies.
“In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she added.
Balaam Praises Withdrawal
The withdrawal was quickly welcomed by several figures within the ruling establishment, including Balaam Barugahara, who publicly described the decision as necessary for transparency and accountability.
“Thank you Rt Hon Anita Among, the outgoing Speaker of Parliament, for withdrawing your candidature. This is the right step to allow a transparent investigation process,” Balaam said in a public statement.
The minister further thanked Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for their contribution toward passing legislation during the 11th Parliament.
“We also thank you and Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa for your contribution in passing laws that have served Uganda,” he added.
Balaam also used the opportunity to rally support behind Oboth Oboth, who is increasingly being mentioned among possible candidates for the Speakership position. “Let us all rally behind Rt Hon Oboth Oboth,” Balaam urged.
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He additionally acknowledged the efforts of Twaha Kagabo and John Baptist Nambeshe Mapenduzi for encouraging Among to step aside from the race.
“Uganda needs accountability, unity, and transparent leadership,” Balaam concluded.
Operation ‘Maliza Ufisadi’ Raises Political Temperatures
The growing references to Operation “Maliza Ufisadi” have now added a powerful security dimension to what initially appeared to be an internal parliamentary succession process.
Political analysts say the anti corruption campaign could reshape political alignments within the ruling party and influence leadership contests ahead of the 12th Parliament.
The operation’s name, translated loosely from Swahili as “End Corruption,” has already generated widespread attention on social media and within political circles, particularly after Muhoozi’s warning that “no one will be spared.”
Observers note that the public nature of the statements by senior government officials suggests that investigations are no longer being handled quietly behind closed doors but are instead becoming part of a broader public accountability campaign.
Although authorities have not publicly detailed specific allegations connected to Among or other parliamentary figures, the repeated references to investigations have intensified scrutiny over Parliament’s leadership and expenditure during the outgoing term.
A Defining Political Moment
Among rose to the Speakership in 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah and quickly became one of the most influential figures within Uganda’s political system.
Her tenure was marked by strong alignment with the Executive, assertive parliamentary leadership, and frequent political controversy surrounding issues of accountability, governance, and parliamentary spending.
With her withdrawal now confirmed, attention is rapidly shifting toward who will emerge as the ruling party’s preferred candidate for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Analysts argue that the unfolding developments reflect broader efforts within the ruling establishment to consolidate unity, manage political fallout, and restore public confidence amid increasing public demands for transparency and accountability.
As security agencies continue expanding Operation “Maliza Ufisadi,” the coming weeks are expected to play a critical role in shaping not only the leadership of Uganda’s next Parliament but also the future political standing of some of the country’s most influential figures.
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