Anita Annet Among
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among is facing imminent prosecution after investigators completed a case file alleging corruption and money laundering, paving the way for her arraignment before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.
Highly placed sources familiar with the investigations said prosecutors have finalized preparations to formally charge the former Speaker, marking a significant turning point in one of Uganda’s most high-profile corruption investigations in recent years.
“The file is ready,” a source close to the investigations said, adding that it is now “a matter of time, not if,” before Among is presented before court.
The completion of the prosecution file signals that investigators have substantially concluded months of inquiries that have focused on allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, wealth declaration and the management of parliamentary resources during Among’s tenure as Speaker.
Coordinated searches completed
The impending prosecution follows an extensive investigation jointly conducted by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), during which investigators carried out coordinated searches at several properties linked to the former Speaker.
The searches targeted residences and properties in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea, where investigators seized documents, electronic gadgets and other materials believed to be relevant to the inquiry.
Sources said investigators also impounded several luxury vehicles associated with Among, including a Rolls-Royce and a Range Rover, as part of efforts to preserve assets that could become subject to forfeiture proceedings should the prosecution succeed.
Bank accounts frozen
In addition, authorities reportedly froze several of her bank accounts while financial investigators examined transactions linked to the alleged offences.
The investigation is understood to have examined whether parliamentary resources were improperly managed and whether assets acquired by the former Speaker corresponded with her declared income and wealth declarations.
The case against Among comes as prosecutors intensify efforts to hold senior parliamentary officials accountable over an alleged multibillion-shilling embezzlement scheme that investigators believe operated within Parliament between 2023 and 2026.
Already, seven senior Parliament officials who served during Among’s tenure have been charged before the Anti-Corruption Court and remanded to Luzira Prison on offences including embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering.
Those charged are Chris Obore Ariko, Daniel Adilo, Leonard Okema, Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Vincent Otebata and Methods Murebe.
Prosecutors allege that billions of shillings were diverted from Parliament through fraudulent transactions during the period under investigation.
The prosecution of senior parliamentary administrators has heightened expectations that investigators were building a broader case examining decision-making, financial approvals and oversight mechanisms within Parliament.
Criminal charges imminent
Sources familiar with the investigations said the completed prosecution file against Among represents the next phase of that process, with investigators now satisfied that sufficient evidence has been assembled to support criminal charges.
For the former Speaker, the impending court appearance represents a dramatic fall from political prominence.
Among was once regarded as one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s political establishment, serving as Speaker of Parliament and occupying a powerful position within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
However, the corruption investigations fundamentally altered her political fortunes.
Amid growing scrutiny and mounting investigations, Among withdrew from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, paving the way for Jacob Oboth Oboth to assume the position.
Throughout the investigations, Among has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Political witch hunt?
Speaking recently to a delegation of Teso elders at her residence in Nakasero, she dismissed many of the allegations that had circulated publicly, insisting investigators had failed to substantiate the claims against her.
“I was accused of many things, including having sacks of money, which was not true at all,” she said.
“All the things I was accused of were not found during the investigations.”
She has also maintained that President Yoweri Museveni handled the matter fairly and has repeatedly reaffirmed her loyalty to the ruling NRM despite the political challenges she has faced.
Nevertheless, the completion of the prosecution file suggests investigators believe they have gathered sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal proceedings.
Legal sources indicate that the remaining step is for prosecutors to formally sanction the charges before presenting Among before the Anti-Corruption Court, where she is expected to answer allegations relating to corruption and money laundering.
Her prosecution is likely to attract considerable public attention, given her former position as Speaker and the wider implications for accountability within Parliament.
If formally charged, Among will become the highest-ranking former parliamentary leader to face prosecution in connection with the ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct at Parliament.
