I'm highly indebted to Museveni  — Among

KAMPALA - Outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among made a powerful statement as she took the oath to serve as Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament (MP) for a third term.

Among, in the company of her husband, Moses Magogo, arrived at the August House at about 9:00am in a modest private car, dressed in a cream dress complemented by a matching fascinator and a green corsage.

Without waiting, she was then ushered to the podium, surrounded by a swarm of close friends, including the President’s brother, Michael Nuwagira alias Toyota and Juma Witonze, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) co-ordinator for Greater Mpigi District.

Among, in the company of her husband, Moses Magogo, arrived at the August House at about 9:00am in a modest private car, dressed in a cream dress complemented by a matching fascinator and a green corsage. (All Photos by Miriam Namutebi)

Witonze is also eyeing an East African Legislative Assembly seat in the forthcoming elections.

After taking her oath, Magogo was next in line to take his oath, followed by Patrick Opolot Isiagi (Kachumbala County, NRM) and several other legislators who are understandably close to the Speaker, including David Beckham Okwere (Bukedea County), Pedun Josephine (Ngora District Woman MP).   

Among, and her entourage later proceeded for a photoshoot and media interviews amid ululations from supporters, many of whom are sitting MPs.

Outgoing Speaker of Parliament Among was in the company of her husband, Moses Magogo.

Amid the current political storm surrounding her bid for a second term as Speaker, which yesterday saw the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) withdrawing its endorsement, Among, while interfacing with the Fourth Estate, kept her composure.

Instead, she thanked the Fountain of Honour for entrusting her with the mantle of leadership.

“In a special way, I want to thank President Yoweri Museveni, who has entrusted me with a very big responsibility of running this Parliament. I am highly indebted to him, and I want to thank the security forces for maintaining peace in this country. I wish all Ugandans the very best, and once more, I want to congratulate President Museveni upon his swearing in,” she said.

Among's husband Magogo takes oath.

Anita Annet Among advised incoming lawmakers to work for wananchi, serve humanity and concentrate on issues that directly affect ordinary citizens at the grassroots. As for the outgoing House, she described it as outstanding.

“Eleventh Parliament has been a very good Parliament. We have done a lot of work. I can tell you it is one of the most remarkable parliaments that we have had in the history of Parliaments,” Among remarked.

However, when journalists changed tune and asked her to comment on the Speakership race, her handlers quickly intervened, saying that was enough. Before whisking her away, as supporters erupted into chants of “Among juu”.

Among, and her entourage later proceeded for a photoshoot and media interviews amid ululations from supporters, many of whom are sitting MPs.

President’s brother speaks out

Asked what his presence alongside the Speaker at the event signified, the President’s brother, Michael Nuwagira, simply said: “Speaker is my friend”, adding that his main reason for attending was to escort his brother Godfrey Aine Kaguta alias Sodo (Mawogola North, NRM) for the swearing-in ceremony.

Reflecting on the performance of the 11th Parliament, Nuwagira said, “I think Parliament has not had problems because we have seen many, including some crossing from the opposition to NRM. I don’t see any problem with the 11th Parliament. Sometimes mistakes may be there, but it appears to have outperformed previous Parliaments.”

What others say 

Godfrey Aine Kaguta alias Sodo (Mawogola North, NRM)

Of course, the President talked about corruption, and we are mostly going to deal with corruption. Because, for us as MPs, we have the mandate to monitor Government funds in constituencies. So, we are going to fight corruption in the district. They are not selling jobs, but of course misusing funds like Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga.

Lillian Aber (Kitgum Woman MP, NRM)

This is a term that we need to ensure that we drive as many people as possible into household income support. We need people to have money in every household so that they are able to meet their needs. So, yes, I agree with the President.

Anne Adeke (Soroti City Woman MP, FDC)

I expect the issue of transition and how it will happen to feature very prominently. Because it is apparent, if you read the signals from yesterday, the official start of this new electoral term. That question that has been lingering in the hearts of Ugandans should be something that the 12th Parliament addresses, prepares the country and manages properly without anarchy.