Parliament cheers Anita Among fall

The atmosphere at Parliament has noticeably changed. Smiles are broader, hugs are more frequent, and conversations that once took place behind closed doors are now happening openly and with greater participation.

When The Observer visited Parliament a few days ago, the corridors were unusually busy for this stage of the parliamentary calendar. Normally, the period between the end of May and early June is relatively quiet, marking the close of one session and the beginning of another.

This year, however, the transition coincides with the start of a new parliamentary term. We set out to gauge the mood following the unexpected replacement of Anita Annet Among as Speaker by West Budama Central MP Jacob Oboth Oboth. Among remains the Woman MP for Bukedea District.

The beginning of the Twelfth Parliament comes against the backdrop of unprecedented events involving Among, popularly known as AAA. As Speaker, she was one of the country’s most powerful political figures, serving as the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the NRM Central Executive Committee and ranking among Uganda’s top state officials.

Although she appears to have avoided arrest, her residences in Kampala, Wakiso, Bukedea, and Kamuli were searched, while several high-value vehicles were reportedly impounded. The developments unfolded publicly, attracting widespread attention on television and social media.

A More Relaxed Parliament

Across offices, corridors, and staff dining areas, conversations continue about the dramatic fall of a once-powerful Speaker and the circumstances that led Parliament to this moment.

Several staff members, legislators, and visitors who declined to be named shared their views on what happened. Many attributed the situation to the rapid accumulation of power and influence, combined with the challenges of managing a position that controls a multi-billion-shilling budget.

At the same time, some employees who were allegedly recruited without following standard procedures appear noticeably subdued. Sources say a number of them have only recently returned to work and remain uncertain about their future.

It has long been alleged that hundreds of individuals were recruited into Parliament without formal advertisements or interviews, including relatives, friends, and associates of influential politicians.

“The older staff can now speak openly to some of the special recruits without fear,” one staff member told The Observer on condition of anonymity. “They tell them how irregular the recruitment process was and question the work some of them actually do.”

According to staff, such comments would have been risky during Among’s tenure and could have resulted in redeployment to less desirable departments such as the Library or the Sergeant-at-Arms office.

A source familiar with Parliament’s human resource processes said many of the recruits associated with the former Speaker are now rushing to complete performance appraisals and submit academic qualifications and employment documentation—requirements that reportedly received little attention previously.

Until the final moments before the Speaker’s election, many believed Among would retain the position in the Twelfth Parliament. However, events reportedly shifted dramatically following a meeting with President Museveni shortly before MPs elected the new Speaker.

As a result, uncertainty now hangs over many of her former allies and appointees, particularly those carrying significant financial obligations tied to their employment.

Celebratory Mood

According to several employees, staff dining areas offer the clearest indication of the changing mood within Parliament.

“People are in a celebratory mood,” one staff member said. “We can now read, like, and share social media posts without fear. In the past, even being seen reading certain newspaper stories could be risky.”

Staff now openly discuss current affairs and political developments, which some believe reflects a more relaxed and democratic atmosphere under Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth.

Ironically, some of the employees once viewed as beneficiaries of the previous administration are now deleting old social media posts and reassessing their public positions.

Meanwhile, several service providers that reportedly benefited from contracts during the Among–Thomas Tayebwa era are said to be watching developments closely. Businesses linked to hospitality, decorations, transport, and travel services are uncertain about how the leadership changes may affect existing arrangements.

A Parliament in Transition

Visitors to Parliament today are likely to encounter a steady flow of furniture, carpets, cabinets, and office equipment being moved as new office bearers settle into their roles.

Among’s former office underwent one of the most significant transformations, requiring extensive renovations and refitting.

The flower arrangements that once dominated the fifth floor of the East Wing—where Among chose to work instead of occupying the official Speaker’s office on the sixth floor—have largely been relocated. However, traces remain, serving as a reminder of her well-known fondness for flowers.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has now moved to the East Wing, while Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth has taken over the traditional Speaker’s office previously occupied by Tayebwa, Jacob Oulanyah, and Rebecca Kadaga.

Oboth Oboth is also said to have assembled a new team of personal assistants, secretaries, and advisers, prompting a shift in loyalties among those seeking influence, appointments, and access.

Staff members who were once regarded as highly connected during Among’s tenure are reportedly far less visible.

Reception areas that were once vibrant now appear subdued, reflecting broader staffing changes. According to sources, these sections had become heavily staffed with individuals linked to the previous administration.

“Now we can talk. Now we can breathe. The building has returned to our hands,” one junior employee said.

Meanwhile, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige is reportedly interacting more openly with staff, regularly greeting employees in corridors and engaging with them more directly.

Sources also say that individuals who once formed part of the former Speaker’s inner circle are increasingly rebuilding relationships with colleagues and supervisors whose influence had previously been overlooked.

“Some of them have suffered a double loss,” a junior staff member observed. “First, they lost political patrons when some MPs were defeated in January’s elections. Then they lost the support they expected from Among as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Commission.”