As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) embarks on its internal elections to select members of its Central Executive Committee (CEC), the race for the position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) has emerged as a pivotal contest.
Among the candidates vying for this influential role, Anita Annet Among stands out as the most compelling choice.
Her proven leadership, political acumen, commitment to gender equality, and ability to bridge divides within the party make her the ideal candidate to strengthen the NRM’s position as Uganda’s dominant political force ahead of the 2026 general elections.
A Track Record of Transformative Leadership
Anita Among’s ascent to the Speakership of Uganda’s 11th Parliament in March 2022 is a testament to her exceptional leadership capabilities.
Having served as Deputy Speaker for nine months, she demonstrated an ability to manage complex legislative processes and maintain order in a often fractious parliamentary environment.
Her election as Speaker, securing 401 votes against opposition candidate Asuman Basalirwa’s 66, underscored her widespread support within the NRM and beyond.
As Speaker, Among has championed policies that align with the NRM’s core objectives, including poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and social cohesion.
Her leadership during regional parliamentary sittings, such as the one in Gulu in August 2024, reflects her commitment to bringing governance closer to the people—a priority that resonates with the NRM’s grassroots ethos.
Her ability to steer parliamentary proceedings with authority and inclusivity positions her as a leader who can unify diverse factions within the NRM’s CEC.
A Champion for Gender Equality and Empowerment
The role of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) demands a leader who can amplify the voices of women within the party and the nation.
Among’s track record makes her uniquely suited for this responsibility. As the Bukedea District Woman MP since 2016, she has consistently advocated for gender equality, drawing from her own journey as a former FDC member who crossed to the NRM in 2020 and won her seat unopposed in 2021.
Her ability to navigate political transitions while maintaining voter loyalty highlights her appeal as a relatable and resilient figure for Ugandan women.
Among’s establishment of Bukedea Comprehensive Academy, which offers vocational training alongside academic programs, demonstrates her commitment to empowering women and youth through education and skills development.
Her vision for a Uganda where “every voice is heard” aligns with the NRM’s goal of inclusive development, making her a natural fit to represent female interests on the CEC.
Political Savvy and Party Loyalty
Among’s political journey—from a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) member to a staunch NRM loyalist—illustrates her adaptability and strategic foresight.
Her decision to join the NRM in 2020 was a calculated move that paid dividends, as evidenced by her unopposed election as Bukedea Woman MP and subsequent rise to Deputy Speaker and Speaker.
This trajectory showcases her ability to build alliances and navigate the NRM’s complex internal dynamics.
Her endorsement by the NRM’s CEC for the Speakership in 2022, based on the party’s tradition of elevating Deputy Speakers, reflects the trust she has earned from President Yoweri Museveni and the party’s top brass.
Posts on X further highlight her support base, with users like @katurebedan258a describing her as a “beacon of hope” and the “right sole candidate” for the CEC role.
While such sentiments are not conclusive, they indicate a groundswell of grassroots enthusiasm for her candidacy.
Bridging Regional and Generational Divides
The NRM’s strength lies in its ability to unite Uganda’s diverse regions and demographics. Among, hailing from Teso in Eastern Uganda, brings a regional perspective that complements the party’s national outlook.
Her mobilization efforts in Busoga, a key political battleground, demonstrate her ability to build networks across regions, even in areas traditionally loyal to her rival, Rebecca Kadaga.
At 51, Among represents a generational bridge between the NRM’s veteran leadership and its younger members.
Her appeal to youth, as noted by Kazo County MP Dan Kimosho, who called her a “suitable alternative” for younger voters, positions her to energize the party’s base.
Her ability to connect with both urban and rural constituencies, as seen in her engagement with the Uganda Urban Council Speakers Association, further enhances her versatility.
Addressing Challenges with Resilience
Critics may point to controversies surrounding Among, including international sanctions imposed by the UK and US in 2024 for alleged corruption, as a potential liability. However, these allegations remain unproven in Ugandan courts, and Among has maintained her innocence, framing them as politically motivated attacks.
Her ability to weather such challenges while continuing to lead Parliament effectively demonstrates her resilience—a critical trait for navigating the high-stakes environment of the CEC.
Moreover, her willingness to challenge entrenched figures like Kadaga, who has held the Second National Vice Chairperson role for three terms, signals her readiness to push for renewal within the NRM.
While Kadaga’s experience is formidable, Among’s fresh perspective and dynamic leadership style offer the party an opportunity to reinvigorate its female wing.
A Vision for the NRM’s Future
The Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) must be a unifying figure who can mobilize women, youth, and regional constituencies while advancing the NRM’s agenda.
Anita Among’s blend of legislative expertise, grassroots appeal, and strategic vision makes her the best candidate for this role.
Her leadership as Speaker has already left an indelible mark on Uganda’s political landscape, and her potential to shape the NRM’s future is equally profound.
As the NRM prepares for the 2026 elections, it needs leaders who can inspire confidence, bridge divides, and deliver results.
Anita Annet Among embodies these qualities, making her not just a strong contender but the ideal choice for Second National Vice Chairperson (Female).
Her candidacy is a chance for the NRM to reaffirm its commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking leadership—a legacy that will resonate far beyond the CEC.