HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The source of the billions of shillings at the center of investigations into former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has become the focus of one of Uganda’s most significant anti-corruption probes, culminating in the freezing of her bank accounts by the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) and state investigators.
Authorities say the accounts were frozen as a precautionary measure to preserve assets while investigators examine allegations of embezzlement, illicit enrichment and money laundering. The financial restrictions were imposed as part of a high-level, coordinated investigation involving the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Financial Intelligence Authority and other security agencies following consultations with President Yoweri Museveni.
According to investigators, the decision to freeze Among’s accounts was intended to prevent the movement of funds that could be linked to suspected criminal activity while the investigations continue. Officials are tracing billions of shillings allegedly siphoned from Parliament and examining whether the funds were used to acquire high-value assets, including luxury vehicles and other property.
The investigations have also focused on allegations that parliamentary staff accounts were used to launder money in an effort to avoid detection by the Financial Intelligence Authority. Authorities believe this method may have been employed to conceal the movement of public funds and bypass financial monitoring systems. These allegations form a key part of the ongoing inquiry into the management of parliamentary resources during Among’s tenure as Speaker.
Among has since confirmed that her personal bank accounts were frozen, describing the development as one of the most difficult consequences of the ongoing investigations. She made the disclosure while meeting a delegation of Teso elders and Members of Parliament at her residence in Nakasero on Thursday, July 2.
She said the freezing of the accounts had affected her ability to conduct financial transactions, although she has maintained that she is cooperating fully with investigators. The former Speaker has also denied reports that security agencies recovered large sums of cash from her residences during recent searches.
The Teso Parliamentary Group has defended Among, arguing that the account freeze has had consequences beyond her personal finances. In an appeal addressed to President Museveni, the legislators said businesses and charitable initiatives associated with the former Speaker had been disrupted, affecting employees and beneficiaries who rely on those operations.
The lawmakers appealed to the President to consider allowing the accounts to be unfrozen so that Among could meet what they described as her lawful obligations and restore the livelihoods of people whose welfare had allegedly been affected by the restrictions.
However, investigators maintain that freezing the accounts is a standard measure designed to safeguard evidence and preserve assets that could become relevant to criminal proceedings. Such restrictions are commonly used in financial crime investigations to prevent the transfer or concealment of funds while inquiries are underway.
The freezing of Among’s accounts comes amid an expanding investigation that has already seen security agencies search her residences in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea. During the searches, investigators seized documents, electronic devices and several luxury vehicles believed to be relevant to the ongoing probe.
The investigation extends beyond Among herself and now encompasses Parliament’s administrative structures. In recent days, eight senior Parliament officials, including directors and senior staff members, were charged before the Anti-Corruption Court with offences including embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering involving billions of shillings allegedly diverted from Parliament between 2023 and 2026.
The prosecution of officials who served during Among’s tenure has intensified scrutiny of the former Speaker and heightened public interest in the investigation. Authorities are examining whether there were broader financial networks involved in the alleged diversion and laundering of public funds.
Despite the growing pressure, Among has consistently denied wrongdoing. She has maintained that she is innocent, is complying with investigators and will respond to any allegations through the appropriate legal processes.
The former Speaker, who withdrew from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament and was replaced by Jacob Oboth Oboth, has urged the public to allow the investigations to run their course rather than draw premature conclusions.
President Museveni has also cautioned against making decisions before the investigations are completed. During a recent meeting at State House Entebbe, he reportedly told Among that the Inspectorate of Government had not yet finalized its report and that all parties should wait for its findings before reaching any conclusions.
For now, the freezing of Anita Among’s bank accounts remains one of the most significant steps taken in the ongoing anti-corruption investigation, reflecting authorities’ determination to preserve assets and trace the source of billions of shillings allegedly misappropriated from public funds while the inquiry continues.
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