Is Anita Among the next president after Museveni?

The Speaker’s rapid rise, consolidated power, and national profile fuel speculation about her political ambitions in a post-Museveni era.

As Uganda continues to grapple with the enduring question of who will eventually succeed President Yoweri Museveni, a new name has forcefully entered the succession conversation: Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament. Once a relatively low-profile legislator, Among has rapidly ascended to become one of the most powerful figures in Ugandan politics, leading to widespread speculation that she is being groomed for, or actively positioning herself for, the highest office.

This theory, once confined to political corridors, has gained significant traction in recent months, transforming the Speaker into a central figure in Uganda’s ever-present succession debate. Several key factors are fueling this perception of her as a potential presidential contender.

A Meteoric Rise and Consolidated Power

Anita Among’s political ascent has been both rapid and strategic. From her role as Deputy Speaker, she seamlessly transitioned to the Speakership following the death of her predecessor, Jacob Oulanyah. In a short time, she has presided over a Parliament that has largely been aligned with the Executive, demonstrating a firm grip on the legislative agenda. Her ability to manage the House and ensure the passage of key government bills has not gone unnoticed, showcasing the kind of political control valued in a potential national leader.

The Telling “Unopposed” Phenomenon

A significant signal of her growing dominance was her own unopposed re-election as Speaker in 2024, a feat mirrored by her Deputy, Thomas Tayebwa. This unprecedented consolidation of power within Parliament, effectively eliminating internal opposition, sent a clear message about her political strength. In a landscape where political influence is often measured by the ability to neutralize rivals, this display was interpreted by many analysts and diplomats as a crucial demonstration of her readiness for a higher office.

Cultivating a National Profile

Unlike many of her parliamentary colleagues, Speaker Among has deliberately cultivated a visible national profile. She has championed populist initiatives, particularly those targeting women and youth, and has maintained a constant presence in the media—until recent critical reports led to a blockade of certain media houses from Parliament. This nation-building persona, distinct from a purely legislative one, is a classic strategy for those with broader political ambitions.

Navigating the Succession Void

The ultimate driver of the “President Among” speculation is the palpable void in Uganda’s succession plan. With President Museveni, now 78, having been in power since 1986, the question of “what next?” looms larger than ever. While the First Son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is often cited as the other leading contender, the political arena remains fluid and unpredictable. Among’s emergence suggests that the succession race may be more open than commonly assumed, with different power centers within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) positioning their preferred candidates.

Despite the speculation, the path to the presidency is fraught with challenges. The same forceful tactics that have consolidated her power in Parliament, such as the recent tensions with the independent press, could become liabilities in a national election. Furthermore, she would have to navigate the complex and often opaque internal dynamics of the NRM, where other powerful factions have their own ambitions.

While Anita Among has not publicly declared any presidential ambitions, her political trajectory tells a compelling story. Her rapid rise, consolidation of power, and cultivation of a national profile have positioned her as a formidable figure in Uganda’s unfolding political drama. As the nation inevitably moves closer to a post-Museveni future, the question is no longer if a new leader will emerge, but whether Anita Among has successfully positioned herself to be that person