The Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon. Anita Among is at a turning point in her career as the sounds of growth and transformation fill the hallways of Uganda’s Parliament. This moment is opportune for her to swallow her pride and start revisiting and perusing through the substantial notes that her predecessors, Rebecca Kadaga and Edward Ssekandi left behind.
The collective legacy of Kadaga and Ssekandi’s leadership, intelligence, and strategic governance is rich with lessons that could influence future legislative procedures as Among is serving the remaining years of her first term as speaker.
By going over these notes again, Among sets out on a mission to not only pay tribute to the past but also to forge a future that will bring back the Parliament from its lost glory into a more active and responsive time.
Uganda’s Parliament faced many difficulties under the direction of Rebecca Kadaga and Edward Ssekandi, including significant corruption scandals. But from the perspective of the general public and foreign observers, Parliament managed to hold onto some semblance of power and respect despite these difficulties.
While navigating through stormy seas, Kadaga and Ssekandi frequently emerged with their reputations intact and maintained a certain degree of decorum and dignity in the legislative assembly.
Maintaining their natural respect and reputation, along with that of the entire August House, became their daily prayer and struggle. The Constitution was amended within these Parliaments, rendering it powerless—a decision that is likely a lasting regret for the duo, even in the grave. However, the public’s respect for Parliament declined more significantly during Among’s regime compared to previous ones.
Take, for example, her living predecessor, Rebecca Kadaga. Kadaga earned international respect and accolades while presiding over the August House. She became a new face for Uganda on the national map and a global representative of Ugandan women, known for her advocacy both at home and internationally.
During Kadaga’s tenure, there were indeed incidents where Parliament was hijacked by security forces, but it’s arguable that under Among’s regime, the situation would have escalated to an even graver level, possibly involving casualties within the country’s most respected institution.
When it came to leading and handling the House, Kadaga exhibited maximum respect for her members. This stands in stark contrast to Among, who often treats her MPs harshly, reprimanding them like kindergarten children. Even when Ruth Nankabirwa, the party chief whip at the time, confronted her in broad daylight during a plenary session, Kadaga fought hard to ensure she was not dragged into the conflict.
Anita Among, on the other hand, has been dogged by more overt accusations of corruption during her term. The institution of Parliament has been brought into the public eye for all the wrong reasons, and its reputation has suffered greatly.
Among herself has not been exempt from criticism, since she was sanctioned by Western countries for her purported involvement in corrupt activities. These charges have weighed heavily on her leadership, casting doubt on the honesty and efficiency of Parliament while she is in charge.
Given this context, Among’s choice to go through Kadaga and Ssekandi’s notes again is more than just a token gesture. It’s a calculated action meant to get Parliament back the legitimacy and respect it once had. Among intends to discover a road plan for resolving the current crisis and regaining the public’s trust by studying the accomplishments and shortcomings of her forebears.
The strategy used by Among will need to be diverse. She needs to confront the accusations directly, enact strong anti-corruption policies, and promote an open and accountable culture in Parliament. It is possible to reverse the trend by taking inspiration from Ssekandi’s astute governance and Kadaga’s capacity to uphold respect in the face of controversies. But there are many obstacles in the way, so time will tell if Among can truly rise above the issues and steer Parliament in the direction of a better future.
March to Parliament
The march to Parliament protest, powerfully interrupted by security forces, marked a historic moment as the first-ever march since 1962, demanding the resignation of the Speaker of Parliament. While protests to Parliament have occurred before, the one on March 23 stands out for its significance regarding the leadership of the country’s most revered institution.
Anita Among has made history as the first Speaker of Parliament to face public demands for resignation due to corruption allegations. Her tenure has also seen Parliament being labelled a “house of deals” instead of a “temple of wisdom.”
Videos have surfaced showing numerous members of Parliament admitting their fear of speaking out against corruption, citing concerns that their leader would retaliate against them.
Using her influence to direct some security officers to arrest Ugandans who have expressed discontent with her leadership of Parliament has severely damaged her reputation, likening her to Marie Antoinette. Several Ugandans who have criticized her extravagance have been detained, including former Deputy RDC Anderson Burora, who is currently imprisoned.
This situation represents a new chapter in the history of Uganda’s Parliamentary Speakers. Traditionally, their names have surfaced in courts over accusations of blackmail, but Among’s use of an iron fist, reminiscent of a dictator, sets a new precedent.
This has put her in a position where she may need to reconsider her approach by taking cues from the two living legends, Rebecca Kadaga and Edward Ssekandi. Seeking counsel from these seasoned politicians might be necessary to amend the broken relationships and restore her standing before it’s too late.
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