Kampala, Uganda
Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), government auditors, and anti-corruption investigators have intensified investigations into former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among following fresh search operations and evidence collection activities inside Parliament.
On Tuesday morning, a team of investigators arrived at Parliament in several vehicles, including an official Evidence Collection Van, as authorities expanded an ongoing corruption and illicit enrichment probe involving the former Speaker.
The operation focused on offices located on the fifth floor of Parliament’s East Wing, where CID officers earlier cordoned off access while investigators searched offices linked to Among and the Clerk to Parliament.
Witnesses said security presence around Parliament was heightened as detectives, forensic teams, and auditors examined files, procurement records, and financial documents believed to be relevant to the inquiry.
The arrival of an Evidence Collection Van suggests investigators may have removed documents, electronic devices, or other materials for forensic analysis, although authorities had not officially confirmed what was collected by the time of publication.
Neither CID nor Parliament administration issued a detailed public statement outlining the full scope of the searches.
Among has faced mounting legal and political pressure in recent weeks over allegations relating to illicit enrichment, corruption and abuse of office.
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) recently confirmed it is processing a petition filed by lawyers and activists accusing Among of allegedly under-declaring or failing to declare assets, income, and liabilities as required by law.
The petitioners requested investigations into her wealth declarations and possible unexplained accumulation of assets.
The latest parliamentary searches follow earlier operations conducted at residences associated with Among in Nakasero and Kigo.
Authorities have not formally announced criminal charges against her.
The investigations intensified shortly after Among announced her withdrawal from the Speakership race for the 12th Parliament.
In a statement released Monday, she said her decision followed consultations within National Resistance Movement (NRM) and was aimed at preserving party unity.
“I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament,” Among stated.
She also pledged cooperation with all ongoing state investigations.
“I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state,” she added.
Among has remained under international scrutiny since 2024, when the United States and the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on her over corruption allegations.
The sanctions included travel restrictions and asset freezes. Western governments accused her of benefiting from corrupt practices and abuse of office claims she has consistently denied.
Public criticism intensified after reports linked her to a Rolls-Royce vehicle reportedly valued at approximately UGX 3.4 billion.
Her leadership also came under pressure during the 2023 Karamoja iron sheets scandal, in which senior officials were accused of diverting iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in northeastern Uganda.
The search operations inside Parliament represent one of the most high-profile anti-corruption investigations involving a senior Ugandan political figure in recent years.
Analysts say the developments reflect increasing pressure on anti-corruption institutions to demonstrate accountability and transparency at the highest levels of government.
The investigations are unfolding during a politically sensitive transition period ahead of the swearing-in of Uganda’s 12th Parliament and the election of new parliamentary leadership.
Investigators are expected to continue reviewing procurement files, expenditure records, wealth declarations, and other parliamentary documents linked to Among’s tenure as Speaker.
Legal experts say the findings of the investigations could determine whether administrative action, prosecution, or further inquiries will follow.
As of publication, neither Anita Among nor Parliament leadership had issued a detailed response regarding Tuesday’s evidence collection operation.
