Anita Among's Philanthropic Footprint Beyond Parliament

Away from the recent political discourse, former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has demonstrated a consistent commitment to philanthropy, channeling funds from both parliamentary allocations and personal resources towards critical areas like education, healthcare, and sports.

The Office of the Speaker is allocated a significant budget for donations and community support, and Ms. Among utilized these funds to address emergent needs during her tenure. Her generosity extended to consoling families of departed legislators, notably pledging to cover the educational expenses of the daughter of the late Helen Nakimuli up to Senior Four, a commitment made from her personal funds.

This gesture mirrored a similar promise made the previous year to support one of the children of the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. Sources within the ruling NRM party also indicate that Ms. Among provided financial backing to numerous party candidates and offered assistance to some politicians outside the NRM, as well as to former MPs facing financial transitions after losing elections.

Ms. Among has also made notable contributions to healthcare initiatives. She donated Shs1 billion towards the construction of a specialized cancer unit at St Francis Hospital Nsambya. Additionally, she provided medical equipment worth Shs600 million to Bukedea Health Centre IV shortly after assuming office and contributed Shs50 million towards a maternity ward at Maliya Foundation Health Care Centre in Buyende District.

In sports, Ms. Among donated Shs50 million and sports kits worth another Shs100 million towards a birthday run organised for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, aimed at supporting vulnerable children and community programmes. She also motivated the Uganda Cranes football team with a Shs50 million donation and an additional $20,000 ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.

While her charitable acts are evident, some critics argue that these initiatives should not overshadow the need for accountability in public office. Ms. Among has also engaged in significant donations to community projects and institutions, including Saccos and religious institutions, reflecting a broad spectrum of philanthropic engagement.

Source: monitor.co.ug