Museveni's Silence Amidst Among's House Arrest Creates Political Uncertainty

It has been over three weeks since former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among was placed under house arrest at her Kampala residence, with her access to the outside world severely restricted. Sources indicate that even her mobile phones have been confiscated, isolating the once-powerful political figure.

As speculation mounts, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) has reportedly concluded its investigations into alleged money laundering, abuse of office, and irregular recruitment, submitting a report to President Yoweri Museveni. This report is critical in determining whether formal charges will be brought against Among.

However, President Museveni has remained conspicuously silent on the matter. Despite addressing the nation twice recently, he has avoided any mention of the unfolding situation surrounding the former Speaker. This silence extends to private discussions, with those close to Among confirming that the President has not discussed the issue privately either.

The IGG’s inquiry reportedly followed an earlier security operation, primarily led by the UPDF, which was based on intelligence suggesting Among had stored large sums of currency at her residences, potentially to influence parliamentary proceedings. Searches at her Nakasero home reportedly involved significant efforts to access hidden safes, but no money or suspected money-printing equipment was found, leading to frustration among some involved in the operation.

While security has been withdrawn from some of Among’s other properties, her Nakasero residence remains under close watch by both military and police. Some confidants suggest the President had assured Among she would not be arrested, indicating a potential delay in decisive action compared to the desires of certain groups pushing for immediate prosecution.

Conflicting narratives suggest that while humiliating Among may have been a goal to neutralize her political influence, President Museveni might be weighing his options carefully. Some attribute the tension to Among’s refusal to step down from the speakership contest, despite an alleged offer of a softer landing. Meanwhile, figures like David Kabanda have publicly expressed frustration with the lack of prosecutions, drawing parallels to the Agnes Nandutu case.

Ultimately, with the investigation concluded and the report on the President’s desk, the uncertainty surrounding Anita Among’s fate and President Museveni’s next move continues to be a focal point of Ugandan politics.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)