Uganda Drops Investigations Into Former Speaker Anita Among

Ugandan authorities have announced that investigations into former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among have been dropped, following months of scrutiny over allegations of corruption.

The development comes after Among was reportedly confined to her home in Kampala in May amid a corruption probe that also saw her Rolls-Royce confiscated.

Military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced the decision in a social media post, saying President Yoweri Museveni had instructed him to release Among from house arrest.

“ We shall not prosecute AAA. She made mistakes but Mzee has decided to forgive her,” Kainerugaba said, using Among's initials.

The announcement effectively brings an end to the threatened prosecution, although officials have disputed whether Among was formally under investigation by the country's anti-corruption authorities.

Anti-Corruption Body Denies Investigating Among

A spokesperson for Uganda's anti-corruption body told journalists that the agency had never publicly stated that it was investigating Among.

“We have never stated anywhere that we are investigating Rt. Hon. Anita Among,” the spokesperson said.

The statement has raised questions about the nature and scope of the inquiry that reportedly preceded Among's confinement and the confiscation of her luxury vehicle.

Among's Political Rise and Controversies

Among became Speaker of Uganda's Parliament in March 2022 and was regarded as a prominent figure within President Museveni's political establishment.

Her tenure was marked by repeated allegations of corruption, which also attracted international attention.

The United Kingdom and the United States previously imposed sanctions on Among over corruption-related allegations. She has faced scrutiny over her wealth and conduct while serving in senior public office.

Among has denied wrongdoing.

Military Influence Draws Attention

The handling of the case has also drawn attention to the growing role of Uganda's military in political affairs.

Kainerugaba, the country's military chief and President Museveni's son, publicly announcing the decision to release Among and abandon prosecution has fuelled debate over the relationship between Uganda's political leadership and security establishment.

The latest development means Among will not face prosecution over the allegations linked to the probe, following Museveni's reported decision to forgive her.

However, the conflicting statements over whether she was formally being investigated leave unanswered questions about the legal basis of the earlier actions against her and the circumstances surrounding the confiscation of her Rolls-Royce.