Speaker of Parliament Anita Among shared her challenging journey from a childhood marked by poverty and family rejection to her current leadership role.
Among spoke during the launch of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy, revealing her early struggles and steadfast determination to succeed. She vowed to fiercely protect her seat.
Among recounted her difficult upbringing, which included working as a house girl, selling local brew, and cleaning at Centenary Bank to fund her education.
She fled home to escape a forced marriage, following in the footsteps of her older sisters who had been forced into childhood marriages by their father. Despite these hardships, she remained resolute in her pursuit of education and independence.
“First of all, I was very brilliant. I didn’t study nursery, when I was in P.1 they took me straight to P3 because I was too clever for the class. My belief was one: I must be the most educated in that home, and I thank God that I am,” said Among.
Among’s journey included escaping a near-rape by her sister’s husband and enduring rejection by her father, who demanded cattle in exchange for her hand in marriage. She worked tirelessly in various roles, including as a cleaner at Centenary Bank, where her dedication led to a promotion to cashier.
“First of all, there was nobody to pay my fees. I would work as an unpaid house girl. When you talk about poverty, you need to empower yourself and know what you want as a person,” she emphasized.
Rejecting calls for teenagers to use contraceptives, Among encouraged young girls to focus on their education and personal goals despite the challenges posed by poverty. She highlighted the importance of self-empowerment and determination in overcoming societal pressures and achieving success.
“My father rejected me and said he wanted his kid married off for cows, but I said it is okay, time will come when you will know that you are my father,” Among reflected. “I educated myself from primary to university. I paid my fees from S.6, and I went to Centenary Bank to look for a job.”
Among’s remarks resonated with many, as she revealed the value of resilience and hard work in the face of adversity. Her story serves as an inspiration to those advocating for the end of child marriage and teenage pregnancy, as well as for those striving to overcome personal and societal challenges.
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