Hon. Anita Among was elected and declared Speaker of the 11th Parliament of Uganda replacing her fallen colleague, Jacob L’okori Oulanyah.
Anita won the election with 401 votes beating Asuman Basalirwa, member of the representing Bugiri Municipality and the president of Justice Forum (JEEMA) who got 66votes.
In a congratulatory speech to Anita, Basalirwa remarked saying,
“This particular process has been free and transparent unlike other processes in this country which you already know of.”
The Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny Dollo appreciated Asuman Basalirwa,
“You’ve demonstrated a rare maturity not known in this country, by saying this is free and fair and by accepting that today’s results. You’ve attained a high moral ground as an MP.”
In her first speech as the newly elected Speaker, Among thanks the officials and honourable members for electing her as Speaker. In her speech she says,
“It is with great honour and privilege that I stand before you to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude for electing me to be the Chair of Speaker of the 11th Parliament of the Republic of Uganda”
Furthermore she talks about her predecessor, the late Jacob Oulanyah stating,
“Today is a day of mixed emotions. A day when we continue to mourn our fallen leader, comrade, friend, father and brother, Rt Hon. Jacob Oulanyah and yet….”
In addition she adds,
“Your Excellency and Honourable Members, this is a day I never imagined would happen this soon, especially because I believed that for the next five or ten years, I would have a strong mentor and leader to hold my hand”
In conclusion of her speech she emphasises on how the 11th Parliament of Uganda shall carry on with its duties and responsibilities. Here she states,
“The leadership of the 11th Parliament_Ug will continue to be guided by a vision to have a people-centered Parliament that is anchored on evidence-based debates.
Honorable Colleagues, we shall base all our decisions on facts as presented to the House.”
“Indeed we committed that reason and sound logic shall be used in tabling our positions. This will enable us to derive correct interpretation from agreed facts. I implore everyone to be tolerant and have mutual respect”.