Speaker Among's Graceful Silence Wins Hearts in Busoga

Speaker Among's dignified response to predecessor's attacks earns delegates' admiration.

  
 In a striking display of political maturity and personal discipline, the Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, the Right Honourable Anita Annette Among, has chosen the high road in the face of provocative attacks from her predecessor. This principled stance, emphasising respect and Christian values, resonated powerfully with delegates in Busoga, solidifying support for the woman affectionately known as "Maama Bukedea.

 The political atmosphere crackled with tension last week following remarks made by former Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. At a campaign rally in Nansana, Wakiso, targeting delegates crucial to the upcoming Cec elections, Kadaga, defying expectations for elder statesmanship, unleashed a torrent of abusive language. Her vitriol was widely perceived as a direct and disrespectful assault on Speaker Among and her associates, referred to fondly by many Ugandans as "AAA." Public reaction was swift and critical, with many Ugandans expressing shock and dismay, viewing Kadaga's words as deeply unbecoming and even "wicked," eroding the respect traditionally accorded to elders.  

All eyes then turned to Speaker Among, the incumbent often hailed as "Maama Bukedea" and "Sister-in-Law" to the Busoga region. Many anticipated a sharp, retaliatory response. However, addressing delegates in Buyende a day after Kadaga's attack, Speaker Among delivered a masterclass in restraint and dignity.  

REPORTER (Quoting Among):"My upbringing, rooted in the fear of God and profound respect for our elders, guides my actions," Speaker Among declared to her attentive audience, which included her "in-laws" across Busoga. "Regardless of the provocations hurled my way, I cannot and will not descend to the level of responding in kind to someone like Mama Kadaga. She occupies a place deserving of respect, a principle I hold sacred."  

 Instead of engaging in a bitter war of words, Speaker Among skillfully redirected the focus. She urged the Busoga delegates to rise above the negativity, to disregard what she termed Kadaga's "jealous words," and instead channel their energy into supporting her candidature and her record of service as their "good servant.  

 This powerful combination of unwavering respect for elders, personal discipline, and a positive call for unity struck a deep chord. The response from the Busoga delegates was overwhelmingly supportive and decisive.

 More than 500 delegates present at the Buyende gathering spontaneously and enthusiastically affirmed their allegiance.

 They assured Speaker Among, in clear terms, that their votes belong firmly to her, not to her predecessor. This resounding endorsement underscores the significant political capital Speaker Among has gained through her dignified conduct.  

REPORTER: By choosing grace over grievance, Speaker Anita Annette Among has not only demonstrated exceptional personal discipline but has also effectively turned a moment of potential conflict into a powerful testament to her leadership values, significantly strengthening her position among crucial delegates. Her silence, in this instance, spoke volumes louder than any retort.