Kampala, Uganda
Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has launched an investigation into Speaker of Parliament Anita Among over allegations that she under-declared her income, assets, and wealth in official declarations, intensifying political pressure ahead of the race for leadership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
The probe, initiated on May 15, follows a petition submitted by lawyers and civil society activists requesting scrutiny of Among’s declared assets and financial records. The development comes at a politically sensitive moment as Members of Parliament prepare for the swearing-in of the new Parliament and the election of parliamentary leaders.
According to information contained in the petition, the complainants allege that Among may have failed to fully disclose certain assets and sources of income as required under Uganda’s leadership and anti-corruption laws.
Ugandan public officials are legally required to declare their wealth, assets, and liabilities to the Inspectorate of Government as part of transparency and anti-corruption measures.
The IGG has not publicly released full details of the allegations or evidence under review. As of Saturday, Anita Among had not issued a public response to the investigation.
The investigation has emerged during an increasingly contested political environment surrounding the leadership of Uganda’s incoming 12th Parliament.
Sources cited in Ugandan media reports indicate that President Yoweri Museveni recently chaired a meeting at State House involving senior ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) figures to discuss parliamentary leadership positions. Some reports claim Among was encouraged to step aside from the Speaker race, although no official statement from State House has confirmed this.
The Speaker position is one of the most influential offices in Uganda’s political system, overseeing parliamentary proceedings and legislative business.
Among has faced sustained public scrutiny since the 2023 “iron sheets” scandal, in which iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region were allegedly diverted to senior government officials.
Although several ministers were investigated and some prosecuted, the controversy generated significant political fallout and increased calls for accountability among public officials. Among denied wrongdoing during the controversy.
Questions have also circulated in recent years regarding her wealth and high-profile purchases, including reports concerning a Rolls-Royce vehicle allegedly valued at approximately Shs3.4 billion. However, no court has convicted her of any corruption-related offense linked to those claims.
Political dynamics within the ruling establishment also appear to be changing ahead of the parliamentary vote.
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political pressure group associated with Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has reportedly shifted support toward Jacob Oboth-Oboth, who is increasingly being discussed as a possible contender for a top parliamentary position.
Analysts say endorsements from influential political groups could significantly affect voting patterns within the ruling NRM caucus.
In recent days, social media platforms and political blogs have circulated allegations relating to tax records, land ownership documents, and business interests allegedly connected to Among. However, many of these claims remain unverified and have not been substantiated by official investigations or court findings.
Legal experts have cautioned against treating online allegations as established fact before the completion of formal inquiries.
The Inspectorate of Government is expected to review asset declarations, financial disclosures, and related documentation as part of its investigation. It remains unclear how long the inquiry will take or whether criminal or civil proceedings could follow.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s political attention remains focused on the leadership contests within the incoming Parliament, where the outcome could shape the country’s legislative agenda and internal power dynamics for the next five years.
Neither the Office of the Speaker nor State House had issued detailed official comments by the time of publication.
