HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I A WhatsApp group is now being used as a tool to raise money among Members of Parliament from the Teso sub-region to help former Speaker Anita Annet Among purchase food and meet basic household needs after the freezing of her bank accounts reportedly left her unable to access funds.
The unusual fundraising arrangement, reportedly coordinated through the Teso Parliamentary Group’s WhatsApp platform, has emerged as lawmakers from Among’s home region rally behind one of Uganda’s most prominent political figures as she remains under investigation over the management of Parliament.
Several legislators from Teso, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said they have been making financial contributions whenever the former Speaker requires assistance with food and other essential household expenses.
According to the MPs, the initiative is driven by a sense of loyalty to Among, who they say consistently supported development initiatives championed by legislators from the sub-region during her tenure as Speaker.
“Yes, the situation is bad for Among. We raise money for her food and other household necessities,” one MP from Teso reportedly said.
A team player
“Among always supported our initiatives and we can’t let her down.” Another legislator revealed that the fundraising is conducted informally through the Teso Parliamentary Group’s WhatsApp platform, where members are mobilized to contribute whenever assistance is required.
“It is really true that Among’s main problem now is food. She cannot access her accounts to buy food. So we chip in with our resources; it’s strange but true,” the legislator said.
The MP added that the former Speaker continues to shoulder family responsibilities despite her financial predicament.
“She receives guests, relatives and has a family to feed. It’s really a tough moment for her,” the female legislator said.
Sources familiar with the arrangement further indicated that, in addition to financial contributions, food supplies are occasionally transported from Among’s home district of Bukedea to supplement provisions at her residence.
The reported financial difficulties are said to have intensified following restrictions placed not only on Among’s personal bank accounts but also on accounts belonging to her husband, Budiope East Member of Parliament Moses Magogo.
The freezing of the accounts followed security operations at Among’s residences in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea as part of ongoing investigations into the financial management of Parliament.
Random arrests
The investigations have already seen several senior parliamentary officials arraigned before court on charges including embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss.
Although Among has remained largely out of the public eye since the investigations intensified, reports of legislators contributing towards her daily upkeep have highlighted the political support she continues to enjoy within sections of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), particularly among leaders from the Teso sub-region.
The issue reportedly reached another level last week when the Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, met Gen. Salim Saleh at the latter’s residence in Kapeeka, Nakaseke District.
Bank accounts frozen
During the meeting, the cultural leader appealed to Gen. Saleh to intervene and help facilitate the release of Among’s frozen bank accounts.
“These bank accounts were frozen when her homes in Nakasero and Kigo were raided by security forces,” the Emorimor reportedly told Gen. Saleh.
“Now life is so difficult for Hon. Among.”
“He needs money to buy food and run her businesses,” he added, emphasizing the economic hardship the former Speaker is allegedly experiencing.
Responding to the appeal, Gen. Saleh stopped short of making any immediate commitment but assured the delegation that he would examine the matter.
“You know I am not a politician. I don’t tell lies like your politicians. That’s why I failed in politics,” Saleh reportedly said. “But I will work on that issue.”
His response has since fueled speculation that efforts could be underway to address the concerns raised by leaders from Teso regarding Among’s financial situation.
The reported fundraising campaign has also generated public debate, with supporters arguing that colleagues are simply standing by one of their own during a difficult period, while critics question whether elected leaders should be contributing to the personal upkeep of a fellow politician facing official investigations.
