KAMPALA — June 2, 2025 — Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has officially entered the race to retain her seat as Bukedea District Woman MP in the upcoming 2026 general elections. On Monday morning, she picked nomination forms from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) headquarters in Kampala.
Speaking after collecting the forms, Among praised the NRM’s Electoral Commission, led by Dr. Tanga Odoi, for what she described as a fair and well-organized nomination process.
“I commend Dr. Tanga Odoi and the NRM Electoral Commission team for ensuring a transparent and inclusive process. The party staff have been very supportive to all candidates expressing interest,” she said.
Among encouraged fellow aspirants across the country to take advantage of the ongoing nomination period, warning that waiting until the deadline might cause unnecessary delays and crowding.
“This is a party everyone should be part of. It’s a strong and growing political organization. I am proud to be a member of NRM, and I will remain committed to it,” she stated.
The Speaker also expressed strong confidence in securing the party flag, ruling out the possibility of contesting as an independent if she loses in the primaries. “There’s no way I can fail to win — absolutely no way,” she added.
Nominations Underway
The NRM’s internal nomination process for the 2026 elections kicked off Monday, attracting interest from candidates seeking a range of positions including MPs, district chairpersons, and urban division leaders.
The NRM Electoral Commission office on Kyadondo Road was a flurry of activity, with numerous hopefuls collecting nomination forms. The exercise will run until June 15, 2025.
Other high-profile figures who picked forms on Monday include Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Vice President Jessica Alupo, each seeking re-election in their respective constituencies.
Development Agenda
When asked about her plans for Bukedea, Among emphasized her broader national responsibilities as Speaker of Parliament. She noted that development initiatives in her home district are already on track, particularly through government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“As Speaker, I work alongside the President to drive Uganda’s economic transformation. We want to ensure that even the most rural areas benefit from our economic policies,” she said.
Addressing Primary Violence Concerns
Also addressed concerns about possible violence during the party primaries. She reaffirmed that the NRM remains committed to peaceful and democratic processes, and cautioned that any disruptions would likely stem from individuals, not the party itself.
“This is a party that believes in democracy. Violence has no place in our internal processes. Voters should be free to choose leaders they trust,” she stated.
With the nomination period now underway, the NRM gears up for a competitive internal race as it prepares for the 2026 national elections.