State Surveillance Targeted Anita Among Since 2021, Dossier Reveals

Confidential state intelligence documents reveal that Anita Among was under covert surveillance as early as 2021, while serving as Deputy Speaker of Parliament. The extensive dossier, obtained by Weekend Monitor, suggests that an “reliable asset” within Uganda’s intelligence agencies meticulously tracked Ms. Among’s activities.

The surveillance reportedly focused on how Parliament allegedly utilized its resources to build a “war chest” and highlighted financial imprudences within the legislative branch. Specifically, the documents point to significant cost overruns on major projects, including the construction of the new parliamentary chamber.

Intelligence findings detailed in the dossier suggest inflated costs associated with the new chamber’s construction, particularly concerning the change of design in response to security concerns. Ms. Among has previously stated her cooperation with ongoing investigations into these allegations.

The dossier also claims that substantial sums of money were moved through accounts of parliamentary staff by late 2022, after Ms. Among became Speaker. These findings were reportedly shared with President Museveni, who then sanctioned a probe by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Financial Intelligence Authority.

Further allegations include claims that a Parliament leader purportedly received over Shs2.6 billion for alleged overseas trips between September 2023 and January 2024, which the dossier states did not take place. Procurement fraud is also a significant focus, with specific examples cited regarding advertising contracts and air ticketing services, allegedly awarded without competitive bidding.

The intelligence report also scrutinizes the recruitment of parliamentary staff, alleging the irregular hiring of relatives of prominent figures and questioning payments for concealed staff. Additionally, a Shs1.7 billion expenditure on “service awards” is labeled a “suspicious payment” intended to influence commissioners.

The surveillance efforts reportedly uncovered a strategy of self-aggrandizement involving procurement fraud, inflated costs, and illegal recruitments. The dossier also notes that the visible display of wealth by a senior parliamentary official is seen as insensitive to taxpayers and could hinder voluntary revenue compliance.

These revelations come amid ongoing searches and seizures of Ms. Among’s properties. Top-tier vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Mercedes Benzes acquired under circumstances questioned in the dossier, have been seized as part of the investigations.

This report is based on information found in the Daily Monitor.