A Look at the 11th Parliament Under Anita Among and Tayebwa

Part one

The 11th Parliament has steadily carved out a reputation for cohesion, productivity, and renewed public engagement under the stewardship of Rt Hon Anita Annet Among as Speaker and Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa as her Deputy. Taking over the mantle of leadership after the untimely death of the former Speaker, Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah, the duo stepped into a moment of national mourning and responded with steady hands and a forward-looking agenda.

From the outset, the new leadership signaled a generational shift. Compared to their predecessors, Speaker Among and Deputy Speaker Tayebwa represent a younger, energetic breed of parliamentary leadership.

One that has translated vibrancy into action on the floor of the House and beyond. 

Their tenure has been marked by a deliberate effort to rebuild trust, restore harmony, and place Parliament firmly at the center of national development discourse.

One of Speaker Among’s most widely acknowledged achievement has been her success in fostering cohesion within the House. Unlike previous parliaments that were often dogged by open confrontations and procedural gridlock, the 11th Parliament has operated with noticeably fewer conflicts. Members across the political divide have cited improved collegiality, smoother debates, and a renewed respect for the institution. This unity has not only strengthened Parliament internally but has also enhanced its ability to effectively interface with the Executive.

Indeed, Speaker Among’s inclusive leadership style has helped bridge political divides, with several opposition heavyweights choosing to work constructively with the ruling side or align with national priorities. 

This has eased the passage of key government business and reduced legislative stalemates, enabling Parliament to focus on service delivery and oversight.

The results are tangible. The 11th Parliament has passed a record number of bills, surpassing the legislative output of the 10th Parliament under the leadership of Rt Hon R. This productivity reflects a House that is focused, united, and responsive to the needs of the country. Committees have been more active, debates more purposeful, and legislation more timely.

A defining feature of the current Parliament has been the rare harmony between the Speaker and her Deputy. For the first time in recent history, the two top presiding officers are said to “eat from the same plate,” working in lockstep without the friction that previously hampered parliamentary business. In contrast to past eras when the absence of the Speaker could stall proceedings for weeks, the 11th Parliament has remained functional and consistent.

Speaker Among’s leadership has also extended beyond the chambers of Parliament. During recent nationwide engagements, President Yoweri Museveni publicly commended her for traversing the country and witnessing firsthand the state of infrastructure, particularly poor road networks. The President contrasted this hands-on approach with that of the past leadership noting that Among chose to be on the ground rather than remain confined to office, an effort he described as commendable.

The recent endorsement of the duo by the CEC was another win for H.E. the President. At this point, what the NRM needs most is a united Parliament, and anything that can or may cause divisions in the August House cannot be accepted. For many legislators, however, the status quo remains comfortable.