Newly appointed Minister of State for Local Government Justine Nameere has opened up about her close relationship with former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, revealing that the two women remain in constant communication despite the challenges currently facing the former Speaker.
Speaking during a televised interview, Nameere disclosed that she still regularly exchanges messages and phone calls with Anita Among and remains one of her close confidants.
The minister’s remarks have attracted widespread attention, particularly because they come at a time when Among continues to face public scrutiny and investigations relating to allegations of corruption.
Despite the controversy surrounding the former Speaker, Nameere made it clear that their friendship remains intact and that she has not abandoned someone she considers an important figure in her life.
“I have been in touch with her even now, I still talk to her,” Nameere said during the interview, emphasizing that communication between them has never stopped.
According to Nameere, Among remains calm and strong despite the ongoing investigations. She noted that legal processes must be allowed to take their course and that no individual should be considered above the law.
The minister stressed that public officials must always be prepared to account for their actions whenever questions arise, regardless of their positions in government.
Nameere further revealed that Among was among the very first people to congratulate her after President Yoweri Museveni appointed her to Cabinet.
She recalled receiving a touching message from the former Speaker shortly after news of her appointment became public.
“When I was appointed to Cabinet, she texted me saying, ‘Congratulations my beloved daughter,’ and I responded, ‘Thank you sweet mummy,'” Nameere revealed with a smile.
The exchange offered a glimpse into the close bond that exists between the two women, a relationship that appears to go beyond politics and public office.
According to Nameere, the relationship between her and Among did not begin when either of them entered high-ranking government positions. Instead, their friendship dates back many years before Among became Speaker of Parliament.
She explained that their connection was formed during her days as a journalist, long before she entered active politics.
At the time, Among was reportedly facing a personal family controversy that had attracted public attention and widespread discussion.
Nameere says she chose to publicly defend Among during television discussions because she believed the criticism being directed at her was unfair.
Her willingness to stand by Among during a difficult period apparently left a lasting impression on the future Speaker.
According to Nameere, it was after those television appearances that Among sought to establish direct contact with her.
She revealed that Among reportedly asked journalist Hatimah Naluggwa Ssekaaya for her phone number and later called her personally to express appreciation for the support she had shown.
What started as a simple gesture of gratitude eventually grew into a strong friendship that has survived political changes, public controversies, and the pressures that often come with public life.
Nameere also disclosed that shortly before receiving the congratulatory message, she had contacted Among to thank her for publicly supporting Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Speaker Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth following endorsements within the ruling National Resistance Movement.
She noted that despite no longer occupying the Speaker’s office, Among had continued to demonstrate political maturity and support for fellow leaders within the movement.
Political observers say Nameere’s comments provide a rare insight into the personal relationships that often exist behind the scenes in Uganda’s political landscape.
While public attention frequently focuses on political rivalries and power struggles, friendships such as the one between Nameere and Among reveal a more personal side of national leaders.
For Nameere, loyalty appears to be a value she takes seriously. Her decision to maintain contact with Among during a difficult period has been viewed by some as a sign of personal commitment and gratitude.
As investigations involving the former Speaker continue, Nameere says she remains hopeful that due process will prevail while emphasizing that friendship and respect should not disappear simply because someone is facing challenges.
Whether admired or criticized, the relationship between Justine Nameere and Anita Among has become one of the most talked-about political friendships in recent weeks, offering a reminder that behind public offices and political titles are personal bonds that often endure through both success and adversity.
