Museveni Orders Muhoozi to Release Anita Among From House Arrest

KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni has directed Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to release former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among from house arrest, potentially ending months of restrictions imposed as authorities investigated allegations surrounding the management of Parliament.

Muhoozi announced the presidential directive on Tuesday morning, saying the order would be implemented.

“Mzee has also instructed me to release AAA from house arrest,” Muhoozi said, using Among’s initials.

“We shall do that as well.”

The announcement marks a significant change in Among’s circumstances after security personnel restricted her movements following searches at her residences in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea earlier this year.

Among had stepped aside from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament amid investigations into allegations of corruption, wealth declaration and financial management at Parliament. She was subsequently replaced as Speaker by Jacob Oboth Oboth.

Her prolonged stay at her Nakasero residence had prompted repeated appeals from political, cultural and religious leaders, particularly from Teso, for Museveni to ease restrictions on her movement.

Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, the Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, has led delegations to senior government officials, including Gen. Salim Saleh, seeking dialogue over Among’s situation.

During a recent meeting in Kapeeka, the Emorimor told Saleh that Among was facing financial difficulties after her bank accounts were frozen and appealed for intervention.

Teso MPs have also said they occasionally mobilised money to help the former Speaker meet household expenses.

“Yes, the situation is bad for Among. We raise money for her food,” one Teso MP said.

“Among always supported our initiatives and we can’t let her down.”

Another MP said: “It is really true that Among’s main problem now is food. She cannot access her accounts to buy food. So we chip in with our resources; it’s strange but true.”

The order lifting the restrictions on Among does not necessarily bring the investigations to an end.

Several senior Parliament officials have already been charged at the Anti-Corruption Court with offences including embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss arising from the wider investigation into Parliament’s finances.

Among has maintained her loyalty to Museveni and previously said the President had protected rather than mistreated her during the investigations.

Tuesday’s directive could now allow the Bukedea Woman MP to resume movement and political activities after months largely confined to her Nakasero home.

It was not immediately clear whether restrictions reportedly imposed on her bank accounts and other assets would also be lifted.