Anita Among Returns To Parliament Virtually
Anita Among Returns To Parliament Virtually
Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has made her first virtual appearance in the House after an 83-day absence from parliamentary proceedings.
Among who represents Bukedea District joined Tuesday’s plenary sitting remotely as lawmakers continued business in the 12th Parliament.
Her appearance marks the first time she has participated in a parliamentary sitting since the new Parliament began its work.
Parliamentary officials confirmed that MPs are permitted to attend proceedings virtually under the House’s rules provided the necessary requirements for remote participation are met.
The sitting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
Among appeared on screen but did not take part in debate during the session, according to reports.
The virtual appearance comes just months after Among’s tenure as Speaker came to an end.
She served as Speaker of the 11th Parliament from March 2022, taking over after the death of Jacob Oulanyah.
But she did not seek to retain the position when the 12th Parliament was formed.
In May, Among announced that she would not offer herself for the Speakership, following what she described as consultations and reflection. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, the West Budama Central MP, was subsequently elected Speaker.
Among was later sworn in as the Bukedea District Woman MP, meaning she remained a member of Parliament despite losing the leadership position.
Her return to parliamentary proceedings comes after a period in which her whereabouts and health became the subject of public speculation.
Among was absent from the inaugural sitting of the 12th Parliament on 25 May, when MPs gathered at Kololo to elect the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Her name was reportedly called during the parliamentary roll call, but she did not attend the session.
The absence came amid heightened scrutiny of the former Speaker following security operations at some of her properties and investigations concerning allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment.
Those allegations have not resulted in a criminal conviction against Ms Among, and she has previously said she would cooperate with investigations.
Her health has also been the subject of public discussion during her period away from Parliament.
In July, members of the Teso Parliamentary Group appealed for access to specialised medical treatment for Ms Among, saying they were concerned about her health.
The reports prompted further public interest in her condition, although details of her medical situation have not been independently established.
Her virtual participation on Tuesday provides the clearest public indication in weeks that she is able to engage with parliamentary proceedings.
It does not, however, provide information about her health or the reasons for her earlier absence.
Parliament officials have sought to make clear that remote participation is permitted under the House’s rules.
The arrangement allows legislators who are unable to attend physically to participate in parliamentary business electronically, subject to the applicable parliamentary procedures.
Instead, she participated as the Bukedea District Woman MP, with Mr Oboth-Oboth now presiding over the House.
Among’s reappearance is likely to attract attention because of the political changes that have surrounded her since she left the Speaker’s office.
She was one of the most powerful figures in Uganda’s Parliament during the previous legislature.
Her decision not to seek another term as Speaker, followed by her prolonged public absence, marked a significant change in her political profile.
Her participation in Tuesday’s proceedings suggests she remains engaged with parliamentary work as the new legislature settles into its term.
Among appeared virtually, did not speak during the sitting and left Parliament to continue its proceedings without the former Speaker physically present in the chamber.
