A section of Members of Parliament in Uganda’s 12th Parliament is reportedly preparing to welcome former Speaker Anita Annet Among back into public life with a special celebration dubbed the “Pre-Speaker Party.”
The event is reportedly scheduled for September 16, with Among’s close ally and friend, Masaka City Woman MP and State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere, said to have announced plans for the gathering.
The proposed celebration comes shortly after President Yoweri Museveni directed that restrictions on Among’s movement be lifted, bringing an end to months of restrictions that had limited her movements.
Among, who remains the Bukedea Woman MP, has faced scrutiny over corruption allegations. According to the information surrounding the latest development, Museveni also directed that she should not be prosecuted over the allegations.
The decision has generated considerable political discussion, particularly given Among’s prominent position within Uganda’s political establishment and her previous role as Speaker of Parliament.
Following the lifting of the restrictions, Among publicly confirmed that she was free and expressed gratitude to Museveni, referring to his intervention as “parental grace.”
She also indicated that she was ready to return to her parliamentary responsibilities and continue serving the people of Bukedea.
The planned September 16 gathering therefore carries significance beyond an ordinary social event. For Among’s supporters and political allies, it could serve as a symbolic welcome back after a period in which her public activities were considerably constrained.
The choice of the name “Pre-Speaker Party” has also attracted attention. It appears to carry a political message, particularly because Among previously occupied one of the most powerful constitutional offices in Uganda as Speaker of Parliament.
It remains unclear whether the event is intended simply as a private celebration among legislators or whether it will develop into a larger political gathering involving other prominent figures.
Nameere’s reported involvement has added interest to the planned celebration. Her longstanding association with Among means the event is likely to attract attention from MPs and political observers watching Among’s next move.
For now, Among is expected to focus on her role as Bukedea Woman MP as she returns to public political activity.
Her comeback comes at a sensitive moment in Uganda’s political landscape, where questions surrounding accountability, political loyalty and the treatment of senior government officials continue to generate debate.
The September 16 event could therefore become more than a party. Depending on who attends and the messages delivered, the “Pre-Speaker Party” may offer an early indication of the political strength and support Among retains within Parliament following months of controversy.
Whether it remains a low-key celebration or turns into a major political spectacle will become clearer when MPs gather on September 16.
