Anita Among rose from humble beginnings in Bukedea District to become one of Uganda’s most powerful and controversial political figures. Her journey, from a village girl to banker, accountant, lecturer, legislator, and eventually Speaker of Parliament, represented ambition, resilience, and political survival.
Yet, her tenure has increasingly been overshadowed by allegations of corruption, international sanctions, and investigations into alleged illicit enrichment and suspected money laundering.
Among became Speaker of Uganda’s 11th Parliament in March 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah. Before ascending to the top parliamentary office, she served as Deputy Speaker and Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District.
Initially elected under the banner of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), she later crossed to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), a political shift that significantly accelerated her rise.
Her leadership style was widely perceived as firm, assertive, and strongly aligned with the ruling establishment. Supporters praised her for maintaining order in Parliament, mobilizing support for government programs, and leveraging her influence to attract development projects to Bukedea District, including schools, sports facilities, and a teaching hospital.
She also championed women’s empowerment, frequently sharing her personal story of overcoming poverty and resisting early marriage as inspiration for young women.
However, her tenure was equally marked by controversy. Critics accused her of presiding over one of the most extravagant and opaque periods in Uganda’s parliamentary administration.
Allegations surfaced involving the misuse of parliamentary funds, irregular service awards to commissioners, unauthorized financial transactions, and excessive spending associated with luxury lifestyles.
Investigative reports further alleged that billions of shillings were diverted through questionable parliamentary expenditures during her leadership.
In 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Among under its Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, accusing her of involvement in significant corruption and abuse of public resources.
The United States later announced similar sanctions targeting her and other Ugandan officials accused of corruption and human rights violations. These measures, which included travel restrictions and asset freezes, significantly damaged her international standing.
Her leadership also faced criticism over Parliament’s handling of accountability and governance. Opposition legislators and civil society actors accused her of suppressing dissent, weakening parliamentary independence, and shielding politically connected officials from scrutiny.
Despite these criticisms, Among remained a powerful mobilizer within the NRM and retained support from influential political figures.
The most dramatic chapter in her political troubles emerged in May 2026, when reports surfaced alleging that security agencies had raided residences linked to her in Nakasero, Ntinda, and Kigo as part of investigations into alleged illicit enrichment, undeclared wealth, and suspected money laundering.
Reports further suggested that her phone had been seized for forensic examination, while heightened security deployment around her residence fueled speculation that her movements had been restricted.
Additional reports indicated that Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government had opened investigations into possible breaches of the Leadership Code, particularly regarding wealth declarations and unexplained asset accumulation.
Public scrutiny intensified amid reports concerning her lavish lifestyle, including alleged ownership of an expensive Rolls-Royce vehicle.
Her political troubles have triggered mixed reactions across Uganda. Supporters argue that she transformed Bukedea through investments in education, health, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Critics, however, view her case as emblematic of the entrenched corruption, patronage, and abuse of public office that continue to undermine public trust in Uganda’s institutions.
Today, Anita Among’s political future remains uncertain. Once regarded as one of the most influential women in Ugandan politics and a potential kingmaker within the ruling establishment, she now faces the gravest challenge of her political career.
Whether the ongoing investigations lead to prosecution, political rehabilitation, or exoneration, her rise and apparent fall have already become one of the defining political narratives in Uganda’s contemporary history.
By Atusasire Edmund
Researcher | Former LC5 Chairman Aspirant, Rukiga District
MBA (MUK) | PGD (FM) – UMI | BCOM (MUK)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0783708887
