Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has firmly dismissed calls for her resignation, following demands made by protesters during last week’s anti-corruption demonstrations in Kampala.
“You are moving around destroying the country and saying Anita must resign,” Among said on Sunday. “Resign and go where? I am still around.”
Among made these remarks during a thanksgiving ceremony for Mzee Daudi Bangirana, the father of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who was celebrating his 80th birthday and 48 years of marriage. The event was held in Nyamiyaga, Bitereko, Ruhinda-Mitooma District.
Last week, dozens of youth took to the streets of Kampala with placards urging Among to step down, accusing Parliament’s leadership of corruption. Among responded by describing the protesters as “self-seekers” and out of touch, defending her stance and the decisions of Parliament.
Among further claimed she was being targeted by activists for her role in championing the Anti-Homosexuality law in Parliament. The law has led to sanctions from Western countries, including the United States and the UK, on Ugandan officials and lawmakers.
“These are people who don’t want us to respect our values, and as Ugandans, MPs, we will stand by the decision we made,” Among asserted. She emphasized Uganda’s cultural and moral principles, stating, “Adam was given to Eve, Eve wasn’t given to Eve, or Adam wasn’t given to Adam. So, that is why we are proud as a Parliament of Uganda.”
Among also expressed her support for President Yoweri Museveni’s anti-corruption efforts and clarified that MPs are not responsible for financial misconduct. “These MPs aren’t accounting officers; we don’t account. The stealing doesn’t start from Parliament. Let us not demonize Parliament,” she urged.
During the same event, President Museveni praised Mzee Bangirana for his hard work and for educating his children, who have become responsible citizens. The President gifted Mzee Bangirana five Friesian cows in recognition of his contributions.
Following the meeting, President Museveni addressed residents of Mitooma at a rally at Rwakitandara Playground, warning against politics based on religion and tribe and cautioning headteachers in government-owned schools against charging fees that cause children to drop out.
Museveni also emphasized the government’s efforts to ensure prosperity for all Ugandans through economic initiatives such as the four-acre model of farming. He encouraged residents to grow coffee, fruits, practice zero grazing, cultivate food crops, and engage in poultry, piggery, and fish farming where applicable. He also advised against land fragmentation to maintain productive land holdings.
Earlier in the day, St. Karoli Lwanga Church in Kigarama Catholic Parish Bitereko was commissioned. The church was constructed by Deputy Speaker Tayebwa in honor of his late grandmother, Julita Kaijarubi Tiruhongyerwa, who had a significant influence on his upbringing.
The ceremony saw the attendance of prominent figures, including Speaker Anita Among, former Prime Ministers Ruhakana Rugunda and Amama Mbabazi, ministers, members of parliament, diplomats, and business leaders.
