Security Forces Raid Anita Among's Properties Amid Corruption Allegations

Security forces, including the Crime Intelligence and Investigations Directorate (CIID) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), carried out raids on Saturday at properties associated with former Parliament Speaker Anita Among. The primary focus was her upscale Nakasero residence, with other properties in Kololo and Kigo also reportedly sealed off as investigations into alleged illicit wealth accumulation intensified.

Detectives, military intelligence officers, and forensic experts were observed meticulously examining documents and assets at the Nakasero property. Witnesses reported that access to and from the residence was restricted during the operation. While it remained unconfirmed if Among was present, unverified reports suggested she may be under house arrest.

Simultaneously, a search operation was reportedly conducted at the Kigo residence of Justine Nameere, Masaka City Woman MP and a close associate of Among. Nameere was arrested on Friday in Masaka City shortly after her swearing-in ceremony. Investigators are reportedly seeking documents and financial records related to allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, and potential violations of Uganda’s Leadership Code Act.

These raids occur just days before Parliament is scheduled to elect a new speaker, a position Among had expressed interest in retaining. Critics have previously accused her of accumulating unexplained wealth during her tenure, particularly following the death of former speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

The intensification of investigations follows recent petitions to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) by lawyers and civil society activists, accusing Among of failing to declare assets and living beyond her means. Specific examples cited include luxury properties and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at over Shs 3.5 billion. The IGG has confirmed receipt of the complaint and initiated an investigation.

This situation echoes past international scrutiny, as both the UK and US imposed sanctions on Among in 2024 linked to corruption allegations concerning the diversion of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja region. Despite denials of wrongdoing, these sanctions impacted her international standing and fueled domestic concerns about governance.

The ongoing investigations have also prompted discussions about Parliament’s role in overseeing public expenditure and its institutional independence. Governance experts have noted a perceived shift towards prioritizing political loyalty over rigorous scrutiny of spending.

Rumors of tense internal meetings within the ruling party suggest a reassessment of Among’s political future amid concerns that the corruption allegations could undermine the legitimacy of the new Parliament. The cancellation of a planned dinner for newly sworn-in MPs, seen as part of Among’s lobbying efforts, further fueled perceptions of her weakening influence.

Adding to the scrutiny, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has summoned Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija regarding alleged expenditure irregularities, indicating a potential widening of the investigation into parliamentary financial management structures.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)