Lead

Anita Annet Among, the former Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, announcing the decision on her official X account late Sunday night. The move comes amid an ongoing corruption investigation that has seen joint security teams search her residences and those linked to her associates.

In her statement, Among said she made the decision "after wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the @NRMOnline." She expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni, her party, and members of the 11th Parliament for the opportunity to serve, and pledged her total support to candidates endorsed by the President and the Party. She also stated she would continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations "as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised."

Among has not made any public statement since security raided her homes at the weekend, and she has not posted on X since May 13, a day after the swearing-in of the president.

Coverage Comparison

Reports describe a widening corruption investigation centered on Among and current and former parliamentary officials. Joint security teams conducted multi-hour searches at Among's residence on Mackinnon Road in Kampala's upscale Nakasero suburb, and reportedly expanded operations to other properties linked to her associates. The investigation is focused on allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, abuse of office, and money laundering.

The probe has also touched parliamentary staff and officials. Parliament's Director of Communications, Chris Obore, has been arrested, and Parliamentary Commissioner Esther Afoyochan is reportedly subject to travel restrictions.

At the center of the controversy are "service awards" shared among parliamentary commissioners in 2022 and 2023, with payouts estimated at between Shs1.4 billion and Shs1.7 billion per beneficiary.

The investigation has had a visible effect on Among's political network. A report notes a "quiet but noticeable digital retreat" by individuals once publicly aligned with her, with profiles edited, political affiliations toned down, photographs removed, and privacy settings tightened across X, WhatsApp, and other platforms. Joseph Sabiti, Among's former principal press secretary, reportedly removed references to his parliamentary role from his X biography and switched his account to private. Several legislators from the Acholi, Karamoja, Teso, and Bugisu sub-regions also quietly removed photographs of Among from their WhatsApp display pictures.

Key Claims

  • Joint security teams searched Anita Annet Among's residence.
  • Former Speaker Among is under investigation for corruption.
  • Among's associates are also being investigated.
  • The investigation is focused on allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, abuse of office, and money laundering.
  • The US and UK have imposed sanctions on Among over corruption allegations.
  • Anita Annet Among has withdrawn from the Speaker race.
  • Norbert Mao has backed the Patriotic League of Uganda's decision to withdraw support for Anita Among.

Perspectives

Anita Annet Among

In her withdrawal statement, Among framed her decision as aimed at maintaining harmony and clarity within her party, and pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations to get to the root of the allegations.

Norbert Mao

Democratic Party leader and Speaker aspirant Norbert Mao backed the Patriotic League of Uganda's decision to withdraw support for Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, describing it as a "principled stand against corruption." Speaking after taking his oath as MP for Laroo-Pece Division, Mao warned that public confidence in Parliament had eroded, adding: "You cannot say you are fighting malaria and then you are a friend to mosquitoes."

Patriotic League of Uganda

The Patriotic League of Uganda, a pressure group closely associated with Muhoozi Kainerugaba, initially endorsed Among and Tayebwa for second terms, but reversed its position, directing members to support candidates aligned with guidance from President Museveni and the NRM Central Executive Committee.