Key political observers in the Teso sub-region have suggested that Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is facing significant pressure to re-establish herself as the most influential figure in the area.
This comes after a series of recent setbacks, including the arrest of her close allies. Among’s political position is at risk as she faces multiple challenges in maintaining her grip on power in the Teso sub-region and retaining the speakership in 2026.
Last month, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions brought four of Among’s lieutenants to court, accusing them of orchestrating violence and irregularities during the recent Bukedea LC-V elections. Among, who is the Bukedea district Woman MP, is now confronted with a four-pronged battle to maintain her political influence in the Teso sub-region and preserve her position as speaker.
At the urging of President Museveni, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) arrested the Bukedea RDC William Tukei, District Police Commander Charles Okoto, Gombolola Internal Security Officer Maimud Oluka, and seven others. They were charged with robbery and assaulting David Stephen Omagor, a former Bukedea by-election candidate, and were remanded for their roles in the violent by-elections.
This move is seen by insiders as an attempt to limit Among’s overwhelming influence in the Teso sub-region’s political landscape. Although they were granted bail on July 26, top NRM officials believe this is just the beginning of efforts to curb Among’s powers.
However, observers also intimate that the early release of the trio and, others is an indication that the cases against them are bound to collapse. In fact, President Museveni reportedly told a recent cabinet meeting that issues in Bukedea are political and therefore, will be resolved politically.
Nonetheless, with several forces against her, Among faces a series of battles to remain relevant in the political arena.
Background
On June 26, President Museveni surprised many by denouncing the violence and irregularities that occurred during the Bukedea LC-V by-elections. He instructed the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) to investigate the matter and hold those involved accountable.
Interestingly, despite several by-elections being marred by irregularities over the years, Museveni strongly opposed Bukedea, even though the NRM candidate emerged as the winner. The NRM-backed Mary Akol won the LC-V chairmanship with 91 percent of the vote, following the death of Moses Olemukan.
However, the election was tainted by violence, vote rigging, and voter intimidation. Among is believed to have played a significant role in Akol’s victory, with her lieutenants, such as NRM vice chairperson for the Eastern region Mike Mukula, MPs Solomon Silwanyi, Patrick Isiagi and Peter Ogwang campaigning extensively for Akol. Ogwang is also the mastermind behind the MK [Muhoozi Kainerugaba] presidential project in the sub-region.
After Olemukan’s passing, Vice President Jessica Alupo, also Katakwi’s woman MP, swiftly proposed Loyce Akiror, Olemukan’s daughter, to succeed him in his seat. However, the NRM-Bukedea group viewed this as interference in their district’s affairs and rejected the idea.
They believed that at only 24 years old, Akiror was too young to handle public affairs and instead favoured Akol, the district’s deputy chairwoman, for the position. An MP who preffered anonymity expressed concern about appointing young individuals to such crucial roles, citing the need for experience in handling district affairs, planning, execution, and engaging with the public effectively.
Eventually, Among’s camp emerged victorious over Alupo’s and granted the party flag to Akol, sparking a complex power struggle in Teso.
