Speaker Anita Among
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Anita Among is like a wounded soldier in need of rehabilitation, Democratic Party president Norbert Mao has said, in one of the strongest public attacks yet against the Speaker of Parliament as political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
Mao, who also serves as Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister in President Yoweri Museveni’s government, accused Anita Among of damaging the image of both Parliament and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) through what he described as excessive displays of wealth.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Mao said the NRM should reconsider endorsing Among for another term as Speaker. “She is like a wounded soldier. She needs to go for rehabilitation,” he noted, arguing that the continued public display of luxury by senior public officials was insensitive in a country struggling with poverty, unemployment and rising public frustration over government expenditure.
“I have now heard that she bought a plush car, a Rolls Royce worth Shs2.5 billion. In a poor country like Uganda, even if you enjoy showing off, spend your money responsibly,” Mao said, adding that even Sudhir Ruparelia has not brought a Rolls Royce,” he added.
Mao further alleged that Among had continued acquiring expensive properties while Parliament itself still lacks a fully completed permanent chamber, despite years of budget allocations toward the project.
Among, who became Speaker in 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, is reportedly seeking a second term amid growing divisions within political circles over the future leadership of Parliament.
Her tenure has been overshadowed by repeated controversy, including criticism over parliamentary spending, the purchase of luxury vehicles for legislators and the high-profile iron sheets scandal that shook government in 2023. Although Among has denied wrongdoing in several of the allegations levelled against her, critics say the controversies have weakened public confidence in Parliament.
Political analysts say Mao’s remarks reflect widening discomfort, even within sections of the ruling establishment, over perceptions of extravagance among top leaders at a time when ordinary Ugandans are grappling with economic hardship.
Ugandan political discourse features sharp criticism of Speaker Among due to controversies surrounding her leadership, corruption allegations, and high-end expenditure.
Despite the criticism, Among still commands significant support within sections of the NRM caucus and among legislators who credit her for consolidating influence within Parliament.
About the Author
