President Yoweri Museveni addressed members of parliament at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi on February 17, 2025, delivering a speech that criticized the conduct of the Eleventh Parliament and called for renewed discipline among NRM leaders.

The speech came amid ongoing sanctions imposed on Anita Among, Speaker of Parliament, by the United States and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Among in December 2023 under the Global Magnitsky Act for alleged involvement in significant corruption, including misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office. The UK government followed with its own sanctions in January 2024, citing similar allegations and barring her from entering the country.

During the Kyankwanzi retreat, Museveni emphasized that leaders must uphold the ideological foundations of the NRM and avoid actions that undermine public trust. He specifically referenced the necessitate for integrity in parliamentary leadership, noting that the institution’s credibility had been damaged by recent controversies. Observers noted that his remarks were directed at the failures of the Eleventh Parliament’s leadership, particularly its handling of financial accountability and ethical standards.

Anita Among, who has served as Speaker since May 2021, has faced increasing pressure domestically and internationally since the sanctions were announced. Her travel has been restricted, and she has been unable to participate in several international parliamentary forums. Ugandan civil society groups have repeatedly called for her resignation, arguing that her continued presence in office harms the country’s reputation and complicates foreign relations.

In response to the growing scrutiny, Namuganza has maintained a low public profile while reinforcing her alignment with NRM principles. She has participated in party mobilization efforts and supported government initiatives in her constituency, avoiding public commentary on the sanctions or internal party debates. Her approach has been described by colleagues as strategic patience, positioning herself as a viable alternative should a leadership change develop into necessary.

The NRM’s parliamentary caucus has not issued any formal statement regarding the Speakership. However, private conversations among MPs suggest increasing discomfort with Among’s continued tenure, particularly as the party prepares for the 2026 general elections. Some members have expressed concern that her international isolation could hinder Uganda’s ability to secure development aid and diplomatic support.

Museveni has not publicly named a successor or indicated plans to remove Among from office. His office has declined to comment on internal party matters, stating that leadership decisions are handled through formal party channels. The Parliament remains in session, with Among continuing to preside over proceedings, though her authority has been challenged by procedural motions and boycotts from opposition members.

No date has been set for a parliamentary vote on the Speakership, and no official mechanism exists for removing a Speaker outside of resignation, death, or loss of parliamentary seat. Constitutional experts note that any attempt to replace her would require a majority vote in Parliament, which remains uncertain given the NRM’s slim majority and internal divisions.

The situation remains unresolved, with Among retaining her constitutional office while facing sustained pressure from both international sanctions and domestic political dynamics. Namuganza continues to serve as a backbench MP, having not declared any formal candidacy for the Speakership.