Anita Among the Queen of War! Does Norbert Mao Possess What it Takes to Crash Her?

Annet Anita Among’s political journey has been nothing short of a battlefield, where every step has been marked by decisive victories, strategic maneuvers, and an unyielding commitment to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

To understand why it will be hard for Mao and others to defeat her in the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, one must trace the battles she has fought and won both within the NRM and in Parliament, her role in mobilization for the ruling party, and her relentless dismantling of the opposition.

Among’s rise to the Speakership of the 11th Parliament was itself a war fought on multiple fronts. She inherited a Parliament that was fractured, with opposition voices emboldened and internal divisions threatening the NRM’s dominance.

Yet she quickly established herself as acommanding presence, wielding authority with precision and ensuring that the legislative agenda of the ruling party was not derailed. Her ability to silence dissent without stifling debate became her hallmark, and she transformed Parliament into a disciplined arena where the NRM’s priorities could be advanced without compromise.

Inside the NRM, Among has proven herself as a master tactician. As a member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), she has fought battles of cohesion and loyalty, ensuring that the party machinery remains intact even in the face of factionalism. Her mobilization skills have been legendary, particularly during the 2021 elections, where she spearheaded campaigns in Eastern Uganda, delivering overwhelming support for President Museveni. Her grassroots touch, combined with her ability to articulate the NRM’s vision of stability and continuity, made her indispensable in securing victory. In this regard, she was not just a participant in Museveni’s triumph but a general in the war for political dominance.

Her role in dismantling the opposition cannot be overstated. Among has consistently outmaneuvered opposition figures, using both parliamentary procedure and political strategy to weaken their influence. She has presided over debates where opposition attempts to derail government programs were neutralized, and she has ensured that the NRM’s majority translates into legislative victories. Her ability to rally NRM MPs, even in contentious moments, has left the opposition struggling to find footing. In many ways, she has turned Parliament into a fortress where opposition voices echo but rarely penetrate the ruling party’s agenda.

The battles she has fought extend beyond the chamber. Among has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of the NRM as the custodian of Uganda’s stability. She has championed policies that resonate with ordinary citizens, from infrastructure development to social services, ensuring that the NRM’s promises are not just rhetoric but tangible realities. Her ability to connect with communities, to listen and respond, has made her a trusted figure among the electorate. This grassroots legitimacy translates into political strength, making her a formidable opponent for anyone seeking to challenge her.

Mao, with his eloquence and opposition credentials, may attempt to challenge Among, but the odds are stacked against him. Among’s record speaks louder than rhetoric. She has already demonstrated her capacity to withstand pressure, to navigate crises, and to emerge stronger. Her scandal-free record, her loyalty to Museveni, and her proven ability to unify Parliament make her an unavoidable choice for Speaker. Mao’s challenge, while symbolic, lacks the strategic depth and institutional backing that Among commands. In the war for the Speakership, she is the seasoned general, while her opponents remain aspirants.

The decisive battles she has won inside the NRM further underscore her inevitability. She has faced down internal critics, consolidated her position within the party hierarchy, and emerged as a trusted lieutenant of the President. Her presence in the CEC ensures that she is not just a parliamentary leader but a party strategist, shaping the NRM’s future while safeguarding its present. This dual role amplifies her influence, making her indispensable in both legislative and political arenas.

Her victories in Parliament are equally telling. Under her leadership, critical legislation has been passed, supporting economic recovery, infrastructure expansion, and social development. She has ensured that Parliament remains aligned with the Executive’s vision, while also asserting its oversight role. This balance has reinforced the credibility of Parliament, while also cementing her reputation as a leader who delivers results. Her ability to manage crises, to maintain order, and to advance the NRM’s agenda has made her a figure of stability in a turbulent political landscape.

In the broader context of Ugandan politics, Among represents resilience and continuity. She embodies the NRM’s ethos of stability, loyalty, and progress. Her leadership style, characterized by decisiveness and accessibility, resonates with both MPs and ordinary citizens. She has turned challenges into opportunities, silenced critics with performance, and established herself as a custodian of Uganda’s democratic journey. To challenge her is to challenge the very machinery of the NRM, a task that requires more than rhetoric—it requires a war chest of strategy, loyalty, and grassroots support, all of which Mao and others lack.

The numbers reinforce her strength. Her mobilization efforts have translated into overwhelming support for the NRM in her home region, where voter turnout and loyalty surged. Her parliamentary victories have ensured that government programs are implemented without obstruction. Her influence within the CEC has consolidated party unity, preventing factionalism from undermining the NRM’s dominance. These tangible results highlight her effectiveness not just as a legislator but as a strategist whose influence extends across Uganda’s political landscape.

Looking ahead, the case for her continuation as Speaker of the 12th Parliament is undeniable. She represents stability in a time of uncertainty, offering experience, loyalty, and innovation. Her record demonstrates that she is not only capable of managing Parliament but also of galvanizing national unity around the NRM’s vision. To replace her would be to risk losing the momentum she has built, the trust she has earned, and the strategic advantage she provides to President Museveni.

Annet Anita Among stands as the Queen of War, a leader whose battles have defined Uganda’s political destiny. Her achievements as Speaker and CEC member, her role in Museveni’s victory, her dismantling of the opposition, and her strengths as a leader converge to make her the unavoidable choice for Speaker of the 12th Parliament. Mao and others may aspire to challenge her, but the battlefield is already marked by her victories, her resilience, and her strategic brilliance. In her, Uganda finds not just a presiding officer but a custodian of stability, a champion of accountability, and a strategist whose influence is woven into the fabric of the nation’s political destiny. Her continued leadership is not merely desirable; it is essential for the continuity and progress of Uganda’s democratic journey.