Parliament has assigned former Speaker Anita Among to the Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation, placing her under the leadership of Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, a long-time political rival.
The designation, made by Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng, has drawn attention due to the strained relationship between the two legislators, which dates back to the 11th Parliament when Zaake was removed from the Parliamentary Commission following a series of confrontations with Among, then Deputy Speaker.
The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation is tasked with tracking government promises, undertakings and commitments made on the floor of Parliament, and ensuring that they are fulfilled by the executive.
Reacting to the development, Zaake said the appointment reflected an unexpected political turn.
“Today, I have come to realise that the world is indeed round. I was tormented during the 11th Parliament. The very person who mistreated me and chased me out is now among the members of the committee I chair,” Zaake said.
He added that despite their past differences, he would handle his role professionally.
“I will treat her so well if she attends, and if she doesn’t, that will be her choice,” he said, noting that his focus will be on executing the committee’s mandate.
Zaake said he intends to write to all Members of Parliament requesting submission of unfulfilled government pledges, which the committee will follow up with the relevant authorities.
The assignment comes at a time when Among is under house arrest pending trial over allegations of corruption, money laundering and mismanagement of public funds.
The history between Zaake and Among traces back to 2021 when Parliament voted to remove Zaake from the Parliamentary Commission. The motion was moved by Ojara Mapenduzi (Bardege-Layibi) and seconded by several legislators, who accused Zaake of bringing Parliament into disrepute through statements he made on social media targeting the Deputy Speaker.
The Committee on Rules, Discipline and Privileges found Zaake in breach of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament, citing offensive remarks made against Among. Parliament subsequently adopted the committee’s report and voted to remove him from the commission.
The controversy stemmed from remarks made during a plenary session in which Among referenced Zaake’s alleged torture while commending him for winning a gold medal during the East African Legislative Assembly Games in Arusha. Zaake later responded on social media, prompting disciplinary action.
In 2022, Zaake challenged his removal in the Constitutional Court, which later overturned Parliament’s decision, reinstating him to the position of commissioner.
Separately, tensions within Parliament have also involved former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga. In 2024, the National Unity Platform (NUP) resolved to recall Mpuuga from the Parliamentary Commission over allegations that he and other commissioners irregularly awarded themselves Shs 1.7 billion in service awards.
Among, who was Speaker at the time, rejected the party’s decision, arguing that commissioners serve Parliament as an institution rather than political parties and can only be removed through a formal parliamentary process.
“Once elected by Parliament, the commissioners cease to serve individual party interests and serve Parliament as a whole,” Among said, adding that removal requires a motion supported by at least one-third of Members of Parliament.
She maintained that political parties lack the legal mandate to recall commissioners once elected, insisting that any such action must comply with the Administration of Parliament Act and established parliamentary procedures.
The latest committee assignment places Among and Zaake in a formal working relationship, potentially reopening a chapter of political rivalry that has previously played out both on the parliamentary floor and in court.
