KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has reaffirmed her loyalty to President Yoweri Museveni, describing him as her political mentor and benefactor as she faces mounting scrutiny over ongoing investigations into her wealth and assets.
Speaking at her residence in Nakasero on Sunday while hosting a delegation of Teso cultural leaders led by Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, Among said she remained indebted to the President for elevating her to one of the highest offices in the country.
“The President gave me an opportunity to serve in one of the most important positions of my political career,” Among said.
“I became Speaker because of him. I will always remain loyal to him.”
Her remarks come at a time when the former Speaker is confronting one of the most challenging periods of her political career following investigations by state agencies into her assets, wealth declarations and financial dealings.
Standing by Museveni
Among’s comments underscored her determination to remain aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni despite recent political setbacks.
The former Speaker said her commitment to the President and the party had not changed and insisted she remained ready to serve in any capacity assigned to her.
“I remain a loyal cadre and I will serve wherever I am deployed,” she said.
The statement is significant given the central role loyalty plays within Uganda’s political establishment, particularly within the NRM, where Museveni has remained the dominant political figure since taking power in 1986.
Political analysts view public declarations of allegiance as an important signal during periods of uncertainty, especially when senior officials come under investigation or face political pressure.
Responds to allegations
Among also used the meeting to push back against reports that she had been subjected to harsh treatment by investigators during searches conducted at her properties.
Security agencies have in recent months searched residences linked to the former Speaker in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea as part of ongoing investigations.
However, Among said reports suggesting she had been mistreated were inaccurate.
“Contrary to media reports, I have not been treated badly,” she said.
“What you have read or heard that I was mistreated is not true at all. It’s an exaggeration.”
She acknowledged, however, that the investigations had brought considerable public attention and personal embarrassment.
According to Among, the most difficult aspect of the ordeal has been the reputational damage caused by allegations and widespread media coverage.
Denies reports of hidden wealth
The former Speaker also dismissed claims that investigators recovered large amounts of cash from her residences.
Media reports and social media speculation had suggested that security agencies discovered substantial sums of money and equipment allegedly linked to illicit financial activities.
Among denied those claims.
“Only Shs420,000 was found,” she said.
“They said I had a money-printing machine, which was false.”
Her remarks drew laughter from members of the visiting delegation.
The allegations have become part of a broader public debate surrounding wealth accumulation among senior public officials and growing demands for accountability from anti-corruption agencies.
Cultural leaders rally behind her
The visit by Teso cultural leaders highlighted the continued support Among enjoys in her home region despite the political turbulence surrounding her.
The delegation expressed concern about her wellbeing and pledged to support her as investigations continue.
The Emorimor suggested that community leaders were prepared to engage President Museveni directly in an effort to help ease tensions and preserve unity.
“If there are any mistakes, we want to go and apologise to Museveni as Iteso,” he said.
The comments reflected the strong cultural and political ties that continue to shape regional leadership dynamics in Uganda.
Political future remains uncertain
Among’s latest remarks come months after dramatic political developments that saw her withdraw from the race for Speaker and eventually replaced in Parliament’s top leadership structure.
While she remains a prominent figure within the ruling party, questions persist about her political future and the potential implications of the investigations.
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) continue to examine allegations relating to wealth declarations, asset ownership and financial conduct.
No court has found Among guilty of any wrongdoing, and she has repeatedly maintained her innocence.
For now, the former Speaker appears determined to confront the investigations while maintaining her public loyalty to President Museveni and the NRM.
As the legal and political processes unfold, her future may depend not only on the outcome of the investigations but also on whether she can retain the confidence of both the ruling establishment and her political support base in eastern Uganda.
