Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has taken a prominent role in regional parliamentary diplomacy by being elected Vice Chairperson of the Forum of African Speakers and Presidents of Legislatures. This election occurred at the 2nd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) in Accra, Ghana.

The assembly, hosted by Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, brought together legislative leaders from across Africa to discuss pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, political instability, and climate change. Key discussions focused on advancing African unity and fostering regional cooperation to accelerate sustainable development, emphasizing the use of Africa’s own natural and human resources over foreign dependence.

In her address to the delegates, Speaker Among stressed the importance of unity among African nations, stating, “Our focus must shift towards unlocking the potential of our resources and empowering people, rather than remaining dependent on external assistance.”

The newly elected Chairperson of the Forum, Rt. Hon. Bagbin, also urged African legislatures to lead initiatives addressing the continent’s challenges, saying, “As representatives of our people, we must be at the forefront, driving initiatives to meet the needs and aspirations of our communities.”

The assembly underscored the need for cross-border cooperation in areas such as economic integration, governance, and infrastructure development, and additionally called for policies that strengthen economic resilience, promote inclusive growth, and support human capital development.

Speaker Among’s election not only highlights Uganda’s growing influence in African parliamentary diplomacy but also reaffirms Africa’s commitment to unity and collaborative solutions for sustainable development.