Politics 18 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Teso Residents Blame Speaker Among for Her Own Troubles
Some leaders and residents in the Teso region believe Uganda's outgoing Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, is responsible for the current investigations and political challenges she faces. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-our-sister-took-us-through-hell-teso-residents-respond-to-among-s-troubles-5463460
A segment of Teso leaders and residents have voiced strong opinions regarding the recent troubles of outgoing Parliament Speaker Anita Among, with many asserting that she is the architect of her own political woes.
These reactions come as Ms. Among faces intense scrutiny amidst accusations of corruption, illicit enrichment, and abuse of office. Benson Ekwee, executive director of Public Affairs Uganda, suggested that Ms. Among’s difficulties stem from undermining Parliament’s independence and serving the executive branch excessively.
“She was not very smart politically,” Ekwee stated, adding that Parliament under her leadership lost its oversight function and became akin to an executive department. He also pointed to the timing of these developments, suggesting a calculated vulnerability during the transition period.
Retired Col. Joseph Onange, proprietor of Kumi Hotel, echoed similar sentiments, calling the current situation “inevitable” due to “impunity in Bukedea beyond imagination.” He revealed past complaints made to President Museveni about alleged abuses in Bukedea District and linked the Speaker’s issues to unexplained wealth.
Joseph Amailem, a former LC3 chairperson from Bukedea, accused Ms. Among of suppressing freedoms and described her tenure as Speaker as turning her into a “monster.” He alleged significant manipulation of elections in Bukedea and claimed that perceived opponents faced intimidation and business losses.
Amailem expressed hope that Ms. Among’s downfall would allow victims to reopen criminal complaints and bring an end to intimidation in the district. Meanwhile, Samuel Okello, an FDC supporter in Soroti City, conveyed disbelief among many residents, describing the unfolding events as surreal given Ms. Among’s former position of power. He also recalled alleged detentions and assaults of opposition supporters linked to her influence during past elections.
Efforts to get comments from prominent religious and cultural leaders in the sub-region were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
This article is based on reporting from the Daily Monitor.