In a significant declaration of future leadership plans, Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Among announced her intention to hand over the speakership to her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, in 2031.
She emphasized the importance of not clinging to power during the commissioning of St Karoli Lwanga Kigarama Catholic parish, a Shs 2.7 billion church built by Hon Tayebwa.
The event, which was presided over by President Yoweri Museveni, saw Among expressing her gratitude to the people of Mitooma for electing a disciplined leader like Tayebwa.
She implored the electorate to reelect him, praising his commitment and capabilities as a deputy speaker.
“I only have one term to serve, when I finish serving my one term, I give it (mantle) to Rt Hon. (Thomas Tayebwa) to continue. Because you don’t need to cling to power. I have one term to go then I hand it over to him,” Among stated, addressing the gathered congregants.
Among further lauded Tayebwa’s contributions and urged him to be patient, reaffirming her decision to step down after her term ends. “I want to thank you people of Mitooma and I want to request you that kindly bring back Rt. Hon. Tayebwa to Parliament,” she added.
The ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including former prime ministers Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, first deputy premier Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, President Museveni’s brother Michael Nuwagira (Toyota), Uganda Prisons Service boss Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama, and businessmen Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and Hamis Kiggundu.
Among’s announcement comes amid a backdrop of youth protests demanding her resignation over corruption allegations against her and several legislators. Despite these demands, Among has firmly stated that she will not resign, dismissing the allegations as unfounded.
As she prepares for her final term, Among’s vow to transfer leadership to Tayebwa highlights her commitment to democratic principles and the importance of leadership renewal. The political landscape in Uganda will undoubtedly watch closely as this transition unfolds.
