Alebtong WMP-elect Dr Lakisa Mercy: Speaker Among is the right one for the 12th Parliament

Among them, the 11th Parliament’s Speaker, Annet Anita Among, some lawmakers say, stands out as Uganda’s second female Speaker.

“She has led with remarkable strength, resilience, and a deep commitment to unity,” one MP says.

Over 300 Members of Parliament from across the country have endorsed Among, in recognition of her outstanding work in the 11th Parliament. Citing her grace, strength, and nobility, they noted that during her time presiding over the House, she proved her competence.

Some of the MPs who spoke to tndNews, Uganda, highlighted that the name “Annet” itself carries a powerful meaning. They explained: A – Affirmation: She affirms truth and justice in Parliament. N – Nurturing: She protects the voices of the vulnerable. N – Notable: Her leadership is widely recognised and respected. E – Efficient: She handles legislative business with speed and order. T – Tenacious:

She does not give up easily on difficult decisions. T – Trustworthy: Colleagues rely on her impartiality. E – Empowering: She lifts women and young leaders.

Annet is a name of French and Hebrew origin meaning “grace” or “favour.” For Speaker Among, this grace is not passive—it is active and powerful. She presides over Uganda’s Parliament with a calm but firm hand, ensuring debates remain orderly and respectful.

Her ability to balance firm rulings with polite composure has earned her admiration across party lines. Truly, the letters of “Annette” spell out a leader who is both kind and unshakable.

Alebtong district woman MP-elect, Dr Lakisa Mercy Faith who recently endorsed the speaker said Among is the right candidate for the speakership of the 12th Parliament.

She added that Among’s second name, Anita, tells a story of resilience, as she rose through ranks where many women have been pushed aside, yet she persisted. Every letter of “Anita” reveals this strength: A – Audacious: She dares to take on challenges others avoid. T – Tough: Political pressure does not break her spirit. I – Influential: Her decisions shape the direction of the nation. N – Noble: She carries herself with dignity and honour. A – Enduring: She lasts through storms.

As a survivor, she has turned trials into triumph, emerging as a leader of unwavering resolve.

The name “Among”, Lakisa said, means bridge-builder and community rock. As Speaker of the 11th Parliament, she presides over more than 500 MPs from different parties, yet she consistently works to build bridges.

She advocates for laws that protect women, children, and marginalised groups. Her approachability, mediation skills, organisational talent, nationalist heart, and grounded character make her a Speaker who truly serves.

“Among” is not just a name—it is a mission of unity: A – Approachable: She listens to ordinary Ugandans. M – Mediator: She settles disputes between opposing MPs. O – Organiser: She keeps Parliament running on schedule. N – Nationalist: She prioritises Uganda’s unity above personal gain. G – Grounded: She never forgets her roots in the Teso region.

In full, Annet Anita Among is a name that carries grace, survival, and community. Speaker Among demonstrates what it means to lead with integrity—graceful yet strong, a unifier of people. Uganda is fortunate to have a Speaker whose very name spells hope, resilience, and togetherness. May her legacy continue to inspire the nation.

In the journey from independence to the present, the first Speaker of the Uganda Parliament was Sir John Bowes Griffin, who served from 1962 to 1963 as an independent MP. He was followed by Narendra M. Patel, who served during the 1st and 2nd Parliaments from 1963 to 1971 as a member of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).

Subsequently, MPs elected Edward Rugumayo as Chairman for the 3rd Parliament, serving from 1979 to 1980 under the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF). Then, from 1980 to 1985, Francis K. Butagira of the UPC took over.

Notably, the current President of Uganda, General Yoweri Museveni Kaguta, also served as the 5th Chairman under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) during the same period (1980–1985). James Wapakhabulo was among the country’s top officials who took over leadership from 1996 to 1998.

Other leaders include Francis Ayume, who served from 1998 to 2001, and former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, who worked for both the 7th and 8th Parliaments from 2001 to 2011. Then, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga became the first female Speaker of the Uganda Parliament, serving both the 9th and 10th Parliaments from 2011 to 2021.

Finally, in 2021, the late Jacob Oulanyah took over from Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, serving from 2021 to 2022. Unfortunately, he did not finish his term and passed away.

Thereafter, the “Triple AAA” Speaker—Rt. Hon. Annette Atina Among—was elected, serving from 2022 to 2026 under the NRM party.