President M7 Praises Speaker Among’s Leadership

President Museveni has praised Speaker Anita Among for her harmonious working relationship with the executive.

During his state-of-the-nation address, Museveni commended Among, the Deputy Speaker, and MPs for their collaboration.He acknowledged criticisms of Among’s leadership style, stating that some view her as weak for not undermining the executive.

However, he emphasized that her approach was not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to her dedication to the Ugandan revolution.

“I want to salute the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and MPs,” said Museveni during the state-of-the nation address in Kololo on Thursday afternoon.

“I hear some people saying that Anita Among is perhaps not powerful enough because she does not undermine the executive but that’s not the case,” he observed.

“In the past, there was a risky and shallow tendency by some actors who tried to use Parliament to undermine the Ugandan revolution,” the president noted, adding, “This was a miscalculation that was provocative, but we managed to handle it peacefully.”

Museveni’s praise comes amidst controversy surrounding the Speaker’s handling of Parliament’s finances, including a recent award of nearly Shs 2bn to Commissioners in service awards.

Despite public outcry, Among maintains that Parliament’s expenditure aligns with approved budgets.The US and UK governments have imposed sanctions on Among and her husband, Moses Magoogo.

In response, Among noted that leadership often comes with criticism and opposition but emphasized the importance of standing firm. Museveni revealed that Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa worked closely with the executive and judiciary to harmonize budgets for the 2024/25 financial year.

He also condemned “foreign agents” and “traitors” serving foreign interests, warning that those who persist in their actions will face consequences. Museveni accused some individuals of accepting bribes from foreigners to work against Uganda’s interests.

He claimed that these individuals approach Ugandans with offers of awards and money in exchange for negative reports about the country. Museveni vowed to target these “dishonest people and traitors.”

“There are, however, other actors, that get bribes from foreigners to work for foreign interests. These are both corrupt and traitors and we are monitoring their activities,” said Museveni.

“If they do not stop; and with evidence, we shall deal with them,” he added.

“They approach our people and say, ‘go and make a bad report against Uganda and we shall give you an award and it will have such money,’” said Museveni.

The President distinguished between “mistake makers” and those who intentionally work against Uganda’s interests. He offered to guide the former while taking action against the latter.

“I wish you good luck with the money of betrayal. We are following up. Those two – the dishonest people and traitors are the ones we are targeting. Mistake makers, we can show them how to do things.”

Museveni’s address highlighted the importance of collaboration between Parliament and the executive, emphasizing that leaders must stand firm in the face of adversity.