Security raids former Speaker Among properties over corruption allegations

Security agencies on Saturday mounted coordinated raids on properties linked to former speaker of parliament Anita Among over suspected corruption allegations.

The operation, involving officers from the Crime Intelligence and Investigations Directorate (CIID) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), targeted Among’s upscale residence in Nakasero.

Security operatives also reportedly sealed off other properties associated with Among in Kololo and Kigo as investigators intensified searches linked to alleged illicit wealth accumulation.

The searches involved detectives, military intelligence officers and police forensic experts, who were seen examining documents and reviewing assets connected to the former speaker.

Witnesses said no one was being allowed to leave the Nakasero residence at the time of the operation. It remained unclear whether Among was inside the residence during the raid, although unconfirmed reports suggested she had been placed under house arrest.

Visitors were reportedly blocked from accessing the premises, which had been heavily cordoned off by security personnel. There were also reports of frantic efforts by lawyers led by Caleb Alaka to gain access to the property.

URN further understands that a similar search operation was conducted at the Kigo residence of Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere, a close associate of Among.

Nameere was arrested by security operatives in Masaka city on Friday shortly after her swearing-in ceremony. Investigators are reportedly pursuing documents and financial records linked to allegations of illicit wealth accumulation, money laundering, abuse of office and possible violations of Uganda’s Leadership Code Act.

The raids came barely three days after newly elected legislators were sworn in and just days before parliament is expected to elect its speaker on May 25.

Among had publicly expressed interest in seeking a second term as speaker. However, critics have accused her of amassing unexplained wealth during her tenure at the helm of parliament following the death of former speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

During her time as speaker, Among consolidated significant influence within both parliament and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), building a reputation for aggressively steering government business through the House.

The latest raids also come amid growing signs of political distancing from sections of the ruling establishment. The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political pressure group associated with First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, recently withdrew its support for Among’s bid to retain the speakership.

Pressure further intensified after lawyers and civil society activists petitioned Inspector General of Government (IGG) Aisha Batala Naluzze, accusing Among of failing to fully declare her assets and allegedly living beyond what could reasonably be explained by her official earnings.

Petitioners specifically cited luxury properties and a reported Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at more than Shs 3.5 billion as examples of suspected unexplained wealth.

IGG Aisha Batala Naluzze has since confirmed receipt of the complaint and announced investigations into the allegations.

In 2024, both the United Kingdom and the United States imposed sanctions on Among over allegations linked to corruption and abuse of office connected to the diversion of iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja under a government relief programme.

Although Among denied wrongdoing, the sanctions significantly damaged her international standing and amplified domestic criticism surrounding governance and accountability.

The unfolding scandal has also revived broader concerns about parliament’s institutional independence and its constitutional obligation to oversee public expenditure.

Governance expert Dr Sarah Bireete argued that parliament under Among increasingly appeared to prioritise political loyalty over accountability.

“Parliament is constitutionally expected to serve as the guardian of taxpayers’ resources,” Bireete said.

“But in recent years, many Ugandans saw an institution that often fast-tracked controversial government positions while appearing reluctant to rigorously scrutinize expenditure. The current investigations reflect growing frustration over impunity and institutional capture.”

Reports of tense internal meetings within the ruling party have further fuelled speculation that senior power brokers are reassessing Among’s political future amid fears that the corruption allegations could overshadow the legitimacy of the incoming parliament.

The cancellation of a planned high-profile dinner for newly sworn-in MPs at Munyonyo, widely interpreted as part of Among’s lobbying strategy ahead of the speaker election, intensified perceptions of weakening political influence.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) on Friday summoned clerk to parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija over alleged expenditure irregularities, raising speculation that investigators could widen their focus beyond the former speaker to broader parliamentary financial management structures.