Special NRM CEC Meeting — Excluding Anita Among and Her Allies — Held Ahead of State House Meeting to Decide Speaker’s Fate — Sources

Sources indicate that the meeting was deliberately exclusive, with Among herself conspicuously left out alongside several of her closest allies. Those reportedly excluded include NRM Women’s League head Adrine Kobusingye and Eastern Uganda Vice Chairperson Calvin Echodu—figures considered central to Among’s political base.

Among, who serves as the NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), is one of the highest-ranking officials in the party hierarchy, behind only President Yoweri Museveni and First Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo. Her exclusion from such a reported strategic gathering has therefore been widely interpreted as a signal of deepening internal divisions and a possible shift in support within the ruling establishment.

Sources say the mini-CEC meeting was intended to harmonise positions ahead of an impending State House engagement, where President was is expected to meet Anita Among to decide her political future.

Speaker Race Intensifies

The battle for the speakership has grown increasingly competitive, with several candidates positioning themselves for the role. Among the most prominent challengers is Norbert Mao, whose entry into the race has added a new dynamic to the contest.

Mao is among a group of contenders challenging Among’s leadership, alongside figures such as Persis Namuganza and Lydia Wanyoto.

Mao has controversially described Among as an “accidental Speaker,” arguing that her rise was shaped more by circumstance than deliberate succession planning. Among has rejected this label, insisting that her leadership is grounded in competence and experience, and pointing to her tenure as evidence of her legitimacy.

Rolls Royce Scandal and Political Fallout

Central to Among’s current political troubles is the fallout from the Rolls Royce scandal, which has dominated headlines and triggered widespread scrutiny of her lifestyle.

The controversy erupted after reports that Among had acquired a Rolls Royce valued at approximately Shs3.5 billion, which she described as a birthday gift, although her birthday is many months away.

The revelation sparked public backlash, with many questioning the source of the funds and raising broader concerns about accountability among public officials.

The scandal quickly escalated into a political crisis. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), publicly criticised the acquisition and subsequently withdrew his group’s support for Among’s re-election bid.

The PLU formally retracted its earlier endorsement of Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa, instructing its members instead to back candidates to be guided by President Museveni. This marked a dramatic reversal, given that PLU had previously directed its supporters to rally behind the duo.

The withdrawal of support underscores the growing political cost of the scandal, particularly in a climate where corruption and extravagant lifestyles are under increasing scrutiny in the public eye.

Nameere–Kabanda Fallout Deepens Divisions

The PLU decision also triggered internal tensions, most visibly in the public fallout between political activist Justine Nameere and PLU Secretary General David Kabanda.

Nameere launched a blistering attack on Kabanda following the announcement, accusing him of betrayal and political opportunism. Her criticism, delivered through widely circulated video statements, questioned Kabanda’s credibility and consistency, especially given his previous support for Among.

Read more on the Kabanda-Nameere fallout Here.

Among’s Rise and “Accidental Speaker” Debate

Anita Among’s rise to the speakership was rapid and, in many ways, unprecedented. She assumed office in 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, securing the position with strong backing from the NRM establishment.

Her tenure has been marked by corruption scandals and questionable expenditure of parliament’s budget.

Among has consistently rejected this “accidental speaker” characterization, maintaining that her leadership is the result of hard work, experience, and political legitimacy. Her supporters within the NRM continue to view her as a strong and capable leader with significant grassroots support.

As she swore in as Bukedea District Woman MP on Wednesday, May 13, Anita Among defended her performance record, as reported Here.

Internal NRM Calculations

The exclusion of Among and her allies from the mini-CEC meeting points to complex internal calculations within the NRM. Insiders suggest the move was designed to allow candid discussions among key decision-makers without resistance from factions aligned with the Speaker.

At the same time, it signals a possible realignment within the party as it seeks to navigate the political fallout from recent controversies while maintaining unity ahead of critical parliamentary decisions.

The anticipated State House meeting is expected to provide clarity, particularly given President Museveni’s central role in shaping outcomes within the NRM. The President’s guidance will likely be decisive in determining the party’s official position on the speakership.

In fact, Muhoozi’s position on the matter is that the PLU-allied MPs wait for Museveni’s position.

Uncertain Road Ahead

As the political drama unfolds, Anita Among faces one of the most significant challenges of her career. While she retains support in sections of the NRM, the combination of scandal, shifting alliances, and internal opposition has created a highly uncertain environment.

With the speakership race intensifying and new alliances forming, the outcome will not only determine the leadership of Parliament but also signal the balance of power within the ruling party.

For now, attention remains firmly fixed on State House, where the next chapter in this unfolding political contest is expected to be written. The State House meeting is happening today, according to sources, and it follows yesterday’s reported exclusive meeting.

Meanwhile, Anita Among has been dragged to the IGG over her wealth declaration, as reported Here.